Arlington school districts would have the authority to confiscate electronic devices if students violate proposed new usage restrictions, but repeated violations of the rules could not result in suspension of students.

These are among the key points of the draft PIP (Policy Implementation Procedure) on the use of personal electronic devices by students.

The proposal is being fast-tracked through the development and approval phases to be completed in time for school to start in the next few days. That speed has drawn criticism from the County Council of PTAs and other groups whose leaders fear their voices will not be considered.

School officials counter that the PIP is merely a stopgap measure to get the school system through the coming months. A full policy, with the usual amount of opportunity for community feedback, is expected to be adopted by the school board by the end of the year.

“We learn by doing,” said school board chair Mary Kadera at the Aug. 1 council meeting, acknowledging that “sometimes it’s a messy business.”

There may still be changes to the wording before the school board meeting on August 15, when action is expected. But as Superintendent Francisco Dúran is currently explaining:

• Elementary and middle school students would be required to put away their personal devices for the duration of the school day.

• High school students would be required to keep devices out of reach during class, but would be able to access them at other times.

• In emergency situations, students would be allowed to use their devices.

• During the school day, parents can contact their students via the school office.

• Students who require a personal device due to legal requirements would have access to one.

• Students would be prohibited from taking photographs or making video or audio recordings of anyone during the school day unless permitted by a teacher as part of the curriculum.

• There would be an increasing hierarchy of possible consequences for students who do not follow the rules, including possible confiscation of the device, which could only be returned to a parent. However, the PIP specifically excludes suspension (either in or out of school) as a punishment.

The local school district is working to have its full policy in place in time for the new state regulations — which are also in development — to be finalized. The Virginia Department of Education has indicated that the rules ultimately adopted at the state level will be the minimum that communities can adopt, but that local districts can add more restrictions as needed.

The draft government proposal is expected to be released on August 15, with the final product due in September.