US school districts launch 2026-2027 year with new policies

School districts in Montgomery County and Detroit have commenced the 2026-2027 academic year, introducing various policy updates and structural changes.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) welcomed over 150,000 students with a staffing rate of 99% for teachers. A major new regulation, the “No Cell, Bell to Bell” policy, requires students to keep personal mobile devices put away from the start of classes until dismissal to minimize disruptions. The district is also implementing updated grading practices and a revised Student Code of Conduct as part of its “Future Ready” strategic plan.

In Detroit, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is implementing statewide changes including restrictions on wireless devices during instruction and increased use of AI in classrooms. To combat absenteeism, the district has expanded its program that pays students for perfect attendance to include middle schoolers and has extended bus services to high schools with high chronic absenteeism rates. Additionally, Thurgood Marshall Elementary-Middle School is scheduled to close at the end of this school year due to high costs and low enrollment.