School Committee debates cell phone policy amid student concerns and legislative trends

The Northampton School Committee convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting the district, including the acceptance of grants and the development of a new cell phone policy.

The meeting began with a presentation on the Northampton Education Foundation (NEF) grants. Committee members expressed gratitude for the community organizations that submitted proposals, highlighting the importance of funding innovative projects within the schools. A motion was made by Member Miller and seconded by Member Gaze to accept the NEF endowment grants, which passed unanimously through a roll call vote.

Following the grant discussions, the committee shifted focus to the proposed cell phone policy. Member Davis presented alarming statistics regarding cell phone usage among students, noting that 97% of students use cell phones during school hours, with 72% of teachers identifying them as a significant distraction. The discussion highlighted the mental health implications of cell phone use, including increased rates of depression and cyberbullying.

Two policy options were presented: Policy A, which included specific restrictions and consequences for cell phone use, and Policy B, which allowed the superintendent and school administrators to design the policy with input from students. Members debated the merits of each approach, with several advocating for a more flexible policy that would involve student input in its development.

Member Boyse and others emphasized the need for a differentiated approach between elementary, middle, and high school students, arguing that younger students should have stricter limitations while older students should be involved in creating guidelines that reflect their maturity and responsibility. The committee acknowledged the importance of buy-in from teachers and students to ensure the policy's success.

As the discussion progressed, it became clear that there was a consensus leaning towards Policy B, which would allow for a collaborative process in developing the final policy. The committee agreed to revisit the topic in August, aiming to include student voices and feedback in the policy-making process.

The meeting concluded with a request for permission for the superintendent to enter contract negotiations with the business administrator, marking the end of a productive session focused on enhancing the educational environment in Northampton schools.