Board hears proposal to tighten cell-phone rules; Yondr pouch pilot estimated at $88,000 for district

Mrs. Versace (board member) introduced a proposal to review the district’s cell-phone policy and possible bell-to-bell enforcement after recent state guidance. She said several districts that implemented a bell-to-bell approach using device-locking pouches reported fewer disciplinary incidents and improved attendance and grades; she cited Manchester and other Connecticut districts as examples. Assistant Superintendent Latour said she contacted a vendor and that implementing a Yondr-style pouch system across all four schools would cost the district about $88,000 for pouches, the locking system, implementation and a staff-training day; she said the bill would be less for a single high school rollout. Latour recommended forming a committee of principals, parents and students to study implementation details and community impacts before a district decision. Board members asked operational and safety questions. Mrs. Reyes asked whether pouches would impede emergency contact; Latour and other administrators noted that implementation plans considered emergency access (pouches are opened with magnetic clips) and that some school-safety experts argue phones can hinder emergency response by spreading rumors or jamming communication. Members suggested workshops, community input and a policy-committee review. Dr. Reed and other members emphasized education and consistent enforcement across schools. No policy change was voted at the meeting. Board members instructed staff to bring the issue to the policy committee and to convene stakeholder input, including students, parents and educators, before pursuing any districtwide purchase or mandate.