Board Considers Stricter Cell Phone Policies for Schools Amid Student Distraction Concerns
September 24, 2025 | Chambersburg Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Chambersburg Area School District Board convened on September 23, 2025, to discuss several key issues affecting local education, including cell phone policies, student achievement metrics, and leadership changes at the Franklin County CareerTech Center.
A significant topic of discussion was the potential revision of the district's cell phone policy. Board members expressed concerns about the distractions caused by cell phone usage in schools. One member suggested revisiting the policy to consider stricter regulations, emphasizing the need for a focused learning environment. Other board members supported this idea, agreeing that a review of the policy should be placed on an upcoming agenda. They also proposed a presentation to discuss the outcomes of recent policy changes regarding cell phone usage.
In addition to policy discussions, the board addressed student achievement, specifically the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) scores. The district is scheduled to receive final scores by building and district on September 27, with a presentation planned for the second meeting in October. This presentation aims to provide insights into student performance and inform future educational strategies.
The meeting also highlighted leadership transitions at the Franklin County CareerTech Center, where new director Leslie Schumann and assistant director Al Perillo have been appointed. The board expressed optimism about the new leadership and the introduction of two new programs: protective services and animal science. Members suggested inviting the new leadership to present their vision and plans for the center at a future meeting.
Lastly, the board discussed the importance of addressing mental health issues among students, particularly the rise in anxiety and depression. There was a call for professional development opportunities for teachers to better identify and support students facing these challenges.
Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to enhancing educational policies and addressing the evolving needs of students in the Chambersburg Area School District. The discussions will likely shape future initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and fostering a supportive learning environment.
A significant topic of discussion was the potential revision of the district's cell phone policy. Board members expressed concerns about the distractions caused by cell phone usage in schools. One member suggested revisiting the policy to consider stricter regulations, emphasizing the need for a focused learning environment. Other board members supported this idea, agreeing that a review of the policy should be placed on an upcoming agenda. They also proposed a presentation to discuss the outcomes of recent policy changes regarding cell phone usage.
In addition to policy discussions, the board addressed student achievement, specifically the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) scores. The district is scheduled to receive final scores by building and district on September 27, with a presentation planned for the second meeting in October. This presentation aims to provide insights into student performance and inform future educational strategies.
The meeting also highlighted leadership transitions at the Franklin County CareerTech Center, where new director Leslie Schumann and assistant director Al Perillo have been appointed. The board expressed optimism about the new leadership and the introduction of two new programs: protective services and animal science. Members suggested inviting the new leadership to present their vision and plans for the center at a future meeting.
Lastly, the board discussed the importance of addressing mental health issues among students, particularly the rise in anxiety and depression. There was a call for professional development opportunities for teachers to better identify and support students facing these challenges.
Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to enhancing educational policies and addressing the evolving needs of students in the Chambersburg Area School District. The discussions will likely shape future initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and fostering a supportive learning environment.
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