District 300 presents progress update on student cell-phone policy study

Deputy Superintendent Mark Wetzel and Patty Schmidt, the district's executive director for school improvement, presented an interim report on District 300's partnership with Handover Research to study student cell-phone use in classrooms. Wetzel told the board that the presentation was informational only and not a set of recommendations.

"Tonight's presentation is intended to serve as an overview and progress update," Wetzel said, stressing the district will return with analysis and recommendations once Handover completes its work. Patty Schmidt described the study design: two surveys (one for parents, staff and grades 6–12; a simplified version for grades 4–5) administered Jan. 17–Feb. 7, plus virtual focus groups March 4–April 29. "Nearly 12,000 individuals participated in our survey," Schmidt said, a turnout she said demonstrates high community engagement.

Schmidt said Handover is analyzing open-ended survey comments and focus-group notes; the district plans to review Handover's full analysis this summer and bring potential recommendations back to the board either this summer or in the fall. Wetzel also told the board staff will continue tracking proposed state legislation that could affect district policy on student devices.

The presentation did not include proposed language for board policy, financial estimates for enforcement, or staff-recommended rules; those items will be considered after the research phase. Board members asked procedural questions during the session but no formal direction or vote was taken.