Pennsylvania Senate Considers Johnny's Law and Cell Phone Ban for Schools
September 19, 2025 | Chester-Upland SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
A new high school biology unit focusing on early human life is set to be introduced, emphasizing the impact of alcohol and drugs on fetal development. This initiative aims to enhance student awareness about health and wellness from an early age.
In a significant move, the Chester-Upland School District is tightening truancy laws, mandating parent notifications after three unexcused absences. This measure specifically targets a cyber charter school that has been non-compliant with attendance regulations, particularly regarding student visibility during online classes.
Additionally, a proposed bill aims to fund schools that prioritize locally sourced food and cooking from scratch, potentially integrating home economics into the curriculum. This initiative seeks to promote healthier eating habits among students.
The discussion also highlighted a potential cell phone ban in schools, which has raised concerns among parents. While not yet law, the proposal suggests that students' phones would be secured during school hours to minimize distractions and enhance learning environments.
Another key topic was "Johnny's Law," which seeks to expand anti-bullying measures to include social media incidents, requiring parental notification within 24 hours. However, the specifics of the law, particularly regarding its applicability outside school hours, still need clarification.
On the financial front, there is a proposal to eliminate school property taxes, replacing them with local income and sales taxes. This change aims to address educational equity by ensuring that funding is more evenly distributed, regardless of neighborhood affluence.
Lastly, the establishment of education savings accounts for students in the bottom 15% of academic performance was discussed, providing them with additional resources through school choice vouchers.
These discussions reflect a proactive approach by the Chester-Upland School District to enhance educational quality and equity while addressing contemporary challenges in student welfare and academic performance.
In a significant move, the Chester-Upland School District is tightening truancy laws, mandating parent notifications after three unexcused absences. This measure specifically targets a cyber charter school that has been non-compliant with attendance regulations, particularly regarding student visibility during online classes.
Additionally, a proposed bill aims to fund schools that prioritize locally sourced food and cooking from scratch, potentially integrating home economics into the curriculum. This initiative seeks to promote healthier eating habits among students.
The discussion also highlighted a potential cell phone ban in schools, which has raised concerns among parents. While not yet law, the proposal suggests that students' phones would be secured during school hours to minimize distractions and enhance learning environments.
Another key topic was "Johnny's Law," which seeks to expand anti-bullying measures to include social media incidents, requiring parental notification within 24 hours. However, the specifics of the law, particularly regarding its applicability outside school hours, still need clarification.
On the financial front, there is a proposal to eliminate school property taxes, replacing them with local income and sales taxes. This change aims to address educational equity by ensuring that funding is more evenly distributed, regardless of neighborhood affluence.
Lastly, the establishment of education savings accounts for students in the bottom 15% of academic performance was discussed, providing them with additional resources through school choice vouchers.
These discussions reflect a proactive approach by the Chester-Upland School District to enhance educational quality and equity while addressing contemporary challenges in student welfare and academic performance.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting