Michigan school districts are heading into a transformative year. With new state legislation and continued funding initiatives shaping everything from device usage to mental health infrastructure, K-12 leaders across the state are facing an evolving set of responsibilities. The 2025-26 school year won’t just be about keeping up – it’ll be about planning ahead, building compliance into every layer of operations, and keeping students safe, supported, and connected in line with Michigan school policy.
Whether you’re part of a large urban district or a smaller suburban system, Michigan’s latest policy changes are designed to impact how schools manage technology, protect student data, and deliver equitable support services. For district leaders, the key will be balancing compliance with practicality, and finding ways to implement new policies in a manner that’s both scalable and student-first.
What’s Changing for Michigan School Policy in 2025-26?
Cell Phone Bans: HB 5921 (Proposed)
If passed, HB 5921 would restrict student smartphone and device usage during instructional time, beginning Fall 2025. Districts should begin drafting classroom device policies, identifying exceptions for emergencies or instructional use, and planning training for teachers and staff on enforcement procedures.
Student Data Privacy & Protection
Federal policies like FERPA and COPPA still apply, but public scrutiny around vendor compliance is intensifying. Michigan districts are expected to audit all edtech vendors, formalize data privacy policies, and clearly communicate data access rights to families. SAF grants and federal cybersecurity funds can help support upgrades and compliance.
Internet Safety & Cyberbullying: Matt Epling Safe Schools Law
This active legislation mandates a comprehensive cyberbullying response, including annual training, restorative practices, and formal reporting procedures. Schools must also support community-aligned interventions such as OK2Say and broader SEL integration. Funding is available through SAF grants, Stronger Connections, and SchoolSafety.gov.
Technology-Based School Safety: PA 2024 No. 148
Districts must now implement security camera systems, firearms detection technology, and a centralized Student Safety Management System. Compliance also requires the use of Michigan’s state emergency planning platform and protocols for real-time threat reporting. $350M in SAF funding and state budget increases are available to support this transformation.
Mental Health Technology Services: HB 5549
By October 2026, every district must implement behavioral threat assessment teams and formalized safety plans. This means investing in trained staff, consistent documentation, and scalable intervention protocols. SAF grants and additional state budget increases can be applied to this initiative, along with wellness-aligned federal funds.
Parental Rights & Technology Oversight
While not governed by new legislation, expectations around parental engagement and tech transparency are rising. Michigan schools should provide activity reports, mental health alerts, and easy-to-use privacy tools that foster trust and collaboration with families.
Download the 2025-26 School Readiness Guide
To help district and school leaders stay ahead of these shifts, we’ve created the 2025-26 School Readiness Guide: a national resource designed to help K-12 decision-makers align their practices with the latest legislation, safety mandates, and student wellness priorities.
The guide includes six key focus areas:
- Cell phone bans & digital distractions
- Student data privacy & vendor accountability
- Campus & physical safety
- Online safety & digital wellbeing
- Responsible AI readiness & usage
- Community-centered student support
Each section includes a clear checklist and action items to follow, making the guide easy to reference and implement.
You can download the guide for free here.
Further K-12 Guidance & Support is Just a Click Away
At Securly, we’re proud to support 424,945 students across 285 schools and districts in Michigan. From Ann Arbor Public Schools and Lansing Public Schools, to Jackson County ISD and Kentwood Public Schools, we’re trusted by districts of all sizes to help create safer, more connected, and more future-ready learning environments.
Whether you’re responding to new policy, evaluating your safety and wellness tools, or looking for expert support, our team is always here to support you along the way.
To learn more about Securly, visit our website.
For regularly updated Michigan school policy information, bookmark the hub.
To discuss your school and its needs for 2025-26 with one of our experts, schedule a call.
