Orcutt schools implement 'off and away' phone policy across campuses

April Chavez, Santa Maria Times

Students across Orcutt Union School District are required to keep their cell phones turned off and stored in backpacks during the school day as part of a districtwide “off and away” policy implemented this school year.

The policy was referenced during the 2026 State of Education forum Feb. 24 by district leaders, who said the policy was implemented to limit distractions and improve student focus.

The policy was introduced for the 2025–26 school year following community input and research on the impact of cell phone use in schools, administrators said in later interviews. Students may still bring phones to campus, but they are required to keep them turned off and stored in backpacks during school hours.

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