Transylvania County School Board Proposes No Cell Phone Policy for Students

Transylvania County Schools is set to implement a new cell phone policy for the upcoming school year following a decisive board meeting on July 21, 2025. The board unanimously approved a motion directing the superintendent to develop a "bell to bell" policy, which prohibits students from having visible or activated cell phones during school hours.

The decision aims to enhance the learning environment by minimizing distractions caused by mobile devices. Board members discussed the importance of establishing clear guidelines while allowing the administration to refine the policy before its official rollout. The directive will take effect at the start of the school year, ensuring that students and parents are informed in advance.

During the meeting, board members emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of existing policies, with plans to revise the current regulations on cell phone use. The board agreed that while immediate action was necessary, the specifics of the policy could be fine-tuned later, allowing for input from school administrators and stakeholders.

In addition to the cell phone policy, the board addressed procedural concerns regarding the approval process for policy changes. Some members expressed the importance of thorough discussion and debate before finalizing any new regulations. However, the urgency of implementing the cell phone directive before the school year took precedence.

As the school year approaches, the Transylvania County Schools administration will work on finalizing the details of the new policy, ensuring that it meets the needs of students and educators alike. This proactive approach reflects the board's commitment to fostering a focused and productive educational environment.