Minnesota 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 Minnesota school policy.
Whether you’re part of a large urban district or a smaller suburban system, Minnesota’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 Minnesota School Policy in 2025-26?
Cell Phone Bans: HF 2516 / SF 508 (Pending)
Districts must adopt age-specific phone restriction policies by March 15, 2025. Full phone bans will apply to grades K-8, with classroom-only bans for grades 9-12 beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The state is also offering grant funding to support implementation, training, and family communication around these new rules.
Student Data Privacy & Protection
While Minnesota has not introduced new legislation in this area, districts remain accountable under FERPA and COPPA. Leaders should proactively audit internal systems, vet edtech vendors, and ensure families have transparent access to data and correction processes. MNIT updates and SchoolSafety.gov can provide guidance on federal cybersecurity developments and any reinstated funding streams.
Internet Safety & Cyberbullying: Matt Epling Safe Schools Law (Active)
Districts must maintain clear cyberbullying policies, conduct annual staff training, report incidents, and engage in restorative practices. The law emphasizes family communication, proactive digital citizenship education, and systems like anonymous tiplines and behavior monitoring.
Technology-Based School Safety: PA 2024 No. 148
This law requires schools to install security cameras, firearms detection systems, and upgrade emergency communication platforms. These requirements apply statewide and affect facilities planning, tech upgrades, and emergency response protocols. Competitive safety and facility grants are available to support implementation.
Mental Health Technology Services
Though no new laws were passed in this area for 2025-26, existing grants are increasingly focused on wellness infrastructure and threat assessment support. Districts are expected to implement wellness/threat response teams and expand student access to counseling and telehealth services.
Parental Rights & Technology Oversight
There are no new legislative mandates here, but transparency, communication, and proactive family engagement remain critical. Schools should maintain accessible dashboards, timely alerts, and communication infrastructure that builds trust 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 240,602 students across 165 schools and districts in Minnesota. From St. Paul ISD 625, South Washington County Schools and St. Cloud ISD 742, to Lakeville ISD 194 and Eastern Carver Count, 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 Minnesota school policy information, bookmark the hub.
To discuss your school and its needs for 2025-26 with one of our experts, schedule a call.
