LISBON — A new cell phone policy in place for the Beaver Local Board School District takes effect this school year.

District Superintendent Eric Lowe issued the reminder during the most recent board of education meeting, noting that the new policy has more regulations than the prior policy in place last year.

The new policy is a requirement under state law and is for all school districts in the state.

School districts were required to adopt a policy restricting cell phone use by July of this year.

Lowe noted that the new policy at Beaver Local prohibits cell phones at lunch, during class changes, transitions, or at any point within the school day, Lowe said.

“Last year, Beaver Local did not allow during instructional time, so this is a change from the previous school year,” he said.

In other matters, Lowe said in his report to the board that the district has had some challenges filling some positions.

He said the district is pleased to have found qualify staff for the open positions they have but it has become increasingly challenging as summer progresses to find people to fill specialized positions.

Lowe also told the board that the maintenance team has worked hard all summer and the district is taking some additional steps to ensure proper supplies of carpet and tile are present for replacements as the school enters the second decade.

The board then approved the following:

— The bus route master schedule for the 2025-26 school year; an agreement with the Kent State University for the Rising Scholars program for the 2025-26 school year; an agreement with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center to participate in Project Inspire for the 2025-26 school year; and the Blizzard Bag resolution.

— Adult meal prices were set at $2.85 for breakfast and $4.10 for lunch for the new school year.

— The overnight field trip for the Beaver Local Choir to New York City April 16-19, 2026.

— Allison Sanchez and Amy Hulse as bus drivers and Derrick Stickles as Intervention Specialist.

— Supplemental contracts for Micah Sturm as freshman football coach and Travis Foster and Derrick Stickles as assistant coaches for the 2025-26 school year.

— A supplemental contract for Erin Archer as summer, fall and winter color guard.

— Dustin Langley as Cross Country volunteer.

— The resignation of Juanita Barber, custodian, effective at the end of the 2024-25 contract.

Lowe wished to thank Barber for her longtime service to the district.

“She has been a stalwart in the district and will be missed being seen on a regular basis here at Beaver Local,” he said.