North Monterey County’s 2026–27 Student Phone Rules: What Families at Castroville Schools Should Know

CASTROVILLE, Calif. — October 28, 2026. As the 2026–27 academic year continues, North Monterey County Unified School District families have different cell-phone rules to follow depending on a student’s grade level.

The district says its Board of Education approved its new Mobile Communication Devices Policy on May 28, 2026, in response to California’s Phone-Free School Act, AB 3216. The change took effect at the start of the 2026–27 school year; this article is a practical explanation of that existing policy, not an announcement of a new October 28 vote.

Elementary and middle schools

For elementary and middle school students, personal devices must be turned off or silenced and kept completely out of sight throughout the school day, according to the district’s explanation.

High schools

High school students must keep personal devices turned off or silenced and stored during instructional time. The district says usage is permitted during lunch and designated non-instructional breaks.

The district’s announcement describes the goals as improving students’ focus, reducing classroom distractions and supporting social interaction. Those are the district’s stated aims, not independently proven outcomes at particular schools.

What families should check

Students and guardians should review the North Monterey County Unified School District official mobile device policy and procedures for any exceptions, school-level procedures, consequences and communication arrangements. The district also provides a parent workshop interest form for digital balance and phone safety.

California58 will update this guide on the same URL if the district changes the adopted policy.

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