School committee forms ad hoc group to draft cell-phone policy after state bill shifts timing

Facing both a pending state bill and broad community interest, the Northampton School Committee on Aug. 14 voted to form an ad hoc committee to develop a district cell-phone/device policy with broad stakeholder input.

Member Holly Gacy said Rules & Policy would work to set parameters for an ad hoc or working group; members suggested the body include students, caregivers, educators and school-committee representation. Superintendent Dr. Bonner told the committee the Massachusetts legislature had acted on related language and that state guidance could change local timing; the meeting transcript also records a recent state senate action on a bill requiring bell-to-bell device policies for k-12 schools starting in 2026-27.

Several members said they wanted a transparent, public process to build community buy-in and to avoid imposing a top-down solution. Member Margaret Miller proposed that the district establish a formal ad hoc committee with posted meetings and formal minutes; member Mike Stein added that a robust public process was needed to build trust and ensure student voice.

The committee directed Rules & Policy to develop the parameters and return with recommendations at the Sept. 11 meeting. The chair and administration said they would ensure the ad hoc group—s membership and timeline are publicly posted. The committee also signaled interest in running a possible pilot once a recommended policy framework is developed.

Why it matters: The state legislature is considering uniform device restrictions and the committee seeks a locally tailored approach that balances instruction, safety and student rights; a formal ad hoc process will allow students and caregivers to shape any final policy.