With school beginning Monday, the leader of the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Community School District zeroes in on the new policies for the 2025-26 year.

Superintendent Greg Dufoe tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the main emphasis will surround cellphones following the implementation of the new Iowa law limiting phone use during instructional time. He states that for a number of years, ADM has practiced not using cell phones in the classroom, but they are taking it a step further by prohibiting students from being on their phones from the beginning of the school day until the end. 

Dufoe realizes that it will be an adjustment for students, but knows that building relationships with others is more important.

“We put a stake in the ground and believe that our students need to have a break from the use of cellphones. We know the impact it can have on learning and distractions, and all sorts of things.”

Dufoe explains that the school district is going to enforce students to stay off their phones even during passing periods and at lunchtime, so they can chat with their peers.