Students report strong start at Ashland High as board moves to rework cell-phone policy

Ashland High School student leaders told the Ashland School Board Thursday that the school year started “with a bang,” highlighting an active Fresh Start program, increased game attendance and a push for inclusion, while the board debated stricter districtwide rules on student cell phones and asked staff to gather student feedback before taking final action.

ASB co‑president Owen Taylor said the leadership team has worked to welcome incoming ninth graders and “facilitate that so that no student was left behind,” describing a schoolwide welcome assembly and orientation. ASB treasurer Azalea Davis Powell said student participation at athletic events and pep rallies has risen and praised the leadership team’s emphasis on inclusion.

The students also raised concerns about how a newly adopted cell‑phone policy feels in practice. Taylor told the board that while many agree the policy has benefits, students and some staff find the implementation abrupt and sometimes awkward: “...there are a lot of concerns and qualms with the way it’s implemented,” he said, describing student discomfort with the storage boxes used to hold phones.

Board discussion turned to possible policy changes. Director Dan Ruby said his earlier safety concerns had been alleviated after learning more and that “it is safer for students not to be… having hundreds of people and parents all trying to call different folks” during incidents. Director Eva Skortowicz urged stronger language and read an example from another district: “Cell phones are to remain in the off position during school hours. Unless given explicit directions for instructional purposes by full time staff, cell phone usage is completely restricted on campus. Cell phones and headphones must not be visible during class or during restroom breaks.” She recommended exploring lockers as a secure storage option for high‑school students.

Superintendent Joseph Hatrick and board members asked staff to collect additional student and staff feedback about day‑to‑day implementation and enforcement, and to review legal questions about confiscation or liability before the policy returns for further discussion. The board agreed to table a final vote and to place the item on the next work session, with the superintendent asked to bring student‑experience reports and any legal guidance.

The student report also referenced Fresh Start returning as an overnight camp for incoming students and a positive reaction to the district’s new cell‑phone rules in middle grades, where classified staff and administrators reported increased social interaction among students. Student leaders invited questions from the board and said ASB would work with district staff to provide more input on classroom experiences under the new rules.

The board did not take a final vote on the districtwide cell‑phone policy at the meeting; rather, members asked for stronger, more explicit language, legal review, and a student/staff implementation report before a final reading or vote.