Madison County Schools is committed to keeping our families informed and engaged as we prepare to implement the FOCUS Act, a new state law impacting all public K–12 schools in Alabama.

At the July 17, 2025 Board meeting, the Madison County School System Board of Education approved the updated MCSS Internet Safety Policy 4.9.4 and Wireless Communication Policy 6.08 in compliance with this law.

Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, the FOCUS Act (Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act) will prohibit student use of personal wireless communication devices—such as cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and similar items—during the instructional day, with limited exceptions.

This is a state law, not a district-level decision. However, as a district, we are responsible for and committed to implementing the law consistently while clearly communicating what it means for our families and schools.

We value communication and trust, and we are using this time before the start of school to proactively provide this information, in hopes of reducing unnecessary confusion or concern.

Our goal is to be clear, proactive, and supportive as we help students and families prepare for this change.

We want to reassure families that students are not required to leave their devices at home. Under the law, devices may still be brought to school if they are turned off and stored away from the student’s person, such as in a locker, backpack, or vehicle, during instructional time. 

We also want to assure families that wireless communication device usage on the bus is not affected by this law.

“Our classrooms are designed to be focused, engaging spaces where students can be fully present in the learning experience. We are committed to upholding this law with clarity, consistency, and compassion. We will continue partnering with families to cultivate safe, supportive, and productive learning environments for all.”
 

— Ken Kubik, Superintendent, Madison County Schools