Revere high school to require classroom phone lockers; committee to update handbook amid possible state law

The Revere School Committee on Aug. 19 reviewed proposed handbook changes that include a new Revere High School cell-phone rule requiring students to lock phones in classroom locker units during class periods and barring use in hallways and bathrooms.

Why it matters: The district said the policy — backed by a new physical locker system in homerooms — is intended to reduce disruptions and support deeper learning. Committee members discussed enforcement challenges and said the committee will review policy wording at an upcoming policy meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Kelly summarized five handbook adjustments; the high school cell-phone policy was the item committee members focused on. The policy requires students to lock phones in provided locker units at the start of class and retrieve them at the end of the period. Teachers will handle initial discipline; repeated insubordination (refusing to lock a phone, refusing to turn over an unlocked phone or using a phone during class) will trigger progressive discipline and administrative involvement.

Committee member Miss Monterosso noted a related bill moving through the state legislature that she said is likely to pass; she said the state bill would establish a statewide ban on student cell phones but leave enforcement and implementation to local school boards. Committee members discussed the operational burden during the opening weeks of school and asked the superintendent and communications team to make parents and students aware of the new rule through ParentSquare, social media and other channels.

The committee asked the policy subcommittee to review the district's draft wording to ensure it aligns with committee intent and state developments. No formal change to district-wide policy was adopted at the meeting; the committee said it will address final handbook language at the next policy meeting.