Richmond school leaders are preparing for sweeping policy changes driven by new state laws, updating rules on student cell phone use, homeschooling, virtual courses and extracurricular eligibility while also tending to district facilities and renewing agreements with community partners. The Richmond R-XVI Board of Education reviewed the updates during its recent September meeting. The most significant change for families comes from Senate Bill 68, which requires Missouri school districts to adopt policies restricting personal communication devices during the school day. Richmond introduced a new board policy that prohibits students from displaying or using phones, smartwatches, laptops, tablets and other devices during instructional time, breaks, meals and study halls. Limited exceptions apply for emergencies, educational purposes or requirements tied to special education or health plans. The district emphasized violations will result in discipline, and employees who enforce the…