The Swain County Board of Education approved a revised student wireless-device policy (Policy 43-18) that narrows principal discretion and tightens consequences for repeat offenses.

Administration presented rewritten language that explicitly makes a second offense a "severe" violation subject to disciplinary action under the student handbook, including temporary bans on personal wireless devices and short-term suspensions. Staff said the language was developed after feedback from middle and high school administrators and is intended to simplify school-level enforcement.

Board members moved and the policy was approved by show of hands. Administrators said they will adopt the revision and implement it in affected schools, principally at the middle and high schools where device issues are most frequent.