Board adopts bell-to-bell student phone policy

What happened

The board approved Policy 443.5 on student possession and use of personal communication devices. The first-reading draft bars cell phones, earbuds, smart watches and similar devices for the whole school day, with limited exceptions. The state's Act 42 requires districts to adopt a phone policy.

Why it matters to families

Students will not be able to use phones during passing periods or lunch. The high school plan has phones off and stored in lockers. A September student report says focus improved.

The evidence

June 8 minutes describe the first reading and the survey in which a majority of parents and staff supported a bell-to-bell policy. July 27 minutes record the unanimous 5-0 approval. The policy text itself was not collected.

The source