This resolve requires the Department of Education to establish a pilot program to reduce student use of personal electronic devices during the school day by awarding one- time funding to one or more school administrative units for the cost of implementing a policy during the 2026-2027 school year that requires all student personal electronic devices to be turned off, securely locked away and inaccessible to students during the school day. The total amount of funding for the pilot program may not exceed $250,000.
45 The resolve also directs the Maine Education Policy Research Institute to support the
46 department in developing an application form and provide the department with a list of
47 possible evidence-based technology solutions and a pilot program evaluation plan. The
48 resolve directs the Maine Education Policy Research Institute to submit a preliminary
49 report by November 4, 2026 and a final report by December 1, 2027 to the joint standing
50 committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters.