When Canyons School District students walk into class on Monday, Aug. 17, their cellphones will need to stay out of sight. And lunch will cost more.
The Canyons Board of Education approved two significant policy changes at its June 16 meeting that take effect the first day of the 2026-27 school year: a new technology-use policy banning cellphones, smartwatches, AI glasses and other emerging technology during classroom hours, and the district's first school meal price increases since 2022-23.
Phones away, bell to bell for middle schoolers
Under the new policy, students at all Canyons schools must keep personal electronic devices off or on silent and out of sight or stored during classroom hours, unless a teacher specifically allows device use for an educational purpose.
Middle school students face the strictest rules. The policy imposes a bell-to-bell ban, meaning devices must stay away for the entire school day. No exceptions.
High school students at Alta, Hillcrest and Jordan high schools get more flexibility, consistent with previous years. They can use devices before school, during lunch and during passing periods between classes, as long as use is not disruptive.
The policy follows Utah Senate Bill 69, sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, and signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on March 18. The law restricts cellphone, smartwatch and emerging technology use during classroom hours statewide. It passed the Senate 27-1 and the House 46-21.
Assistant Legal Counsel Jeff Christensen presented the update to the board, noting it adheres to the new state law.
Lunch prices rise for the first time in three years
Elementary breakfasts will now cost $2 and lunches $2.50. Secondary students will pay $2.25 for breakfast and $4 for lunch.
Business Administrator Leon Wilcox told the board the increases were proposed in response to a 16 percent increase in the consumer price index for food.
Families at Sandy Elementary won't see a bill. The school is one of five Canyons Title I schools, along with Copperview, East Midvale, Midvale and Midvalley elementary schools, that will continue serving free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of the price changes.
Board member Jackson Lewis responded to the meal price vote by encouraging the Canyons community to contact state legislators with messages of support for a state-funded universal school meals program.
What Sandy families need to know
Both policies take effect Aug. 17, the first day of school. The board approved both items at its June 16 meeting, though specific vote tallies were not recorded in the district's public summary.
Sandy families with students at non-Title I schools should budget for the new meal prices. Parents of middle schoolers should know their children will not have phone access at any point during the school day.
