On Aug. 12, 2025, public school districts in Ohio were notified that they must now PROHIBIT student cell phone use during the instructional day.
These new requirements were part of the Ohio biennial operating budget signed into law by Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine on June 30. The state of Ohio added new information to their website regarding this change.
This is a change from last year’s cell phone procedures.
This new legal requirement is consistent with the cell phone policy that has been in place at Goshen's elementary buildings for the past several years.
What does this mean for your student?
At Marr/Cook and Spaulding Elementary: No change
Cell phone use during the instructional day is prohibited
At Goshen Middle School and Goshen High School:
Students will not be permitted to use their phones during class time, in hallways between classes or during lunch periods, unless the device is required as part of the student’s IEP or 504 plan to support learning or to monitor a documented health condition.
All phones must be stored in students’ backpacks, on their person, a designated classroom storage space (bin, pouches, etc.) or in their lockers throughout the day. If a student would like a locker assigned to them for this purpose, they can request one in the main office.
If other technology is connected to a cell phone (earbuds, smart watches, etc.), and is being used to access cell phone functions, that device is also not permitted under these new requirements.
Consequences for violating the requirements for the cell phone procedures have not changed from the previous school year, and may be reviewed in the Goshen High School handbook (pg. 12) or in the Goshen Middle School handbook (pg. 20).
The district's approved Board policy on cell phone use and electronic communication devices may be viewed here.
Parents and guardians may always call their school office if they need to get an urgent message to their child during the day. Our staff will ensure that students receive important information in a timely and respectful manner.
Likewise, if a student needs to reach a parent or guardian during the school day, they will be able to use a phone in the office. We understand that unexpected situations arise, and we remain committed to supporting strong communication between home and school.
For your reference, the phone numbers for all of our school offices are:
Marr/Cook Elementary: (513) 722-2224
Spaulding Elementary: (513) 722-2225
Goshen Middle SchoolL (513) 722-2226
Goshen High School: (513) 722-2227
We appreciate your support in helping reinforce these expectations with your child.