School Officials Evaluate Cell Phone Policy and Access to Online Resources

The Cumberland County Schools Board of Education meeting on August 21, 2025, focused on the management of student cell phone use and the accessibility of educational resources. Board members discussed the current policy regarding cell phone usage during school hours, noting that there have been no significant issues reported. They expressed satisfaction with the existing mechanisms for students to securely store their devices, suggesting a review of the policy at the end of the first nine weeks of school.

A key point of discussion involved the authorization process for teachers to allow cell phone use for educational purposes. Concerns were raised about whether teachers needed to seek approval to permit students to use their phones, especially when students encountered difficulties accessing certain websites on their Chromebooks. It was clarified that teachers could submit requests to the technology department to unlock specific websites for educational use, adhering to the new Internet Safety Act, which mandates a review process to ensure age-appropriate content.

The board acknowledged the challenges teachers face in navigating technology access and emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure and effective learning environment. Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to balance technology use in education while ensuring student safety and compliance with regulations. Further discussions on these topics are expected as the school year progresses.