School Board Approves First Reading of Junior High Cell Phone Policy

In a recent meeting of the Davis School District Board of Education held on July 15, 2025, board members engaged in a robust discussion regarding the policy on cell phone usage during junior high lunch periods. This topic has garnered significant attention from the community, prompting board members to consider various perspectives before finalizing a decision.

The board's conversation revealed a split in opinions on whether to allow cell phones during lunch. Some members, like Miss Barber and Miss Hogan, expressed support for permitting cell phone use, aligning it with existing high school policies. Conversely, others, including Miss Mercer and President Gerard, leaned towards restricting cell phone access, citing concerns about enforcement and the potential for distractions during lunch.

Miss Price highlighted the importance of gathering feedback from a broader audience, including administrators, teachers, parents, and students, before making a final decision. She emphasized the need for community input, especially given the policy's potential impact on students' daily lives. The board acknowledged the challenge of obtaining this feedback during the summer months but agreed on the necessity of considering diverse viewpoints.

As the discussion progressed, the board moved towards a procedural vote on the first reading of the policy, which would allow for further revisions based on community feedback before the final approval. The vote indicated a narrow majority against allowing cell phones during lunch, with members expressing a willingness to revisit the issue after gathering more input.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to making informed decisions that reflect the community's values and concerns. As the school year approaches, the board plans to continue refining the policy, ensuring it aligns with the needs of students and the expectations of parents and educators alike. The anticipated next steps include outreach efforts to solicit feedback and a follow-up discussion in the coming weeks.