School committee adopts ban on student cell phones during school day; elementary handbook edits approved

The Swansea School Committee voted unanimously April 20 to adopt new policy IJNDBC, which prohibits student use of cell phones and wearable communication devices during the school day at Joseph Case Regional Junior High and Case High School.

Superintendent Scott Holcomb and the policy subcommittee said the change was based on staff and parent surveys, on classroom observations, and on a series of policy subcommittee meetings. “We are saying that cell phones cannot be used during the school day from the opening bell of the school day to the closing bell of the school day at both the junior high and high school,” Holcomb told the committee.

The committee also reviewed handbook changes proposed for grade 3–5 (a shared handbook for the grade band). The handbook edits, presented by Dr. Koster and other administrators, update the cell‑phone language to explicitly include smartwatches and other wearable electronic devices, replace detentions with structured lunches/structured days as restorative responses, restore an opt‑in classroom contact list for private party invitations, and add a water‑bottle guideline encouraging spill‑proof reusable bottles and water only in line with the district wellness policy.

Why it matters: Administrators said the policy intends to reduce classroom interruptions, decrease social‑emotional drama tied to social media, and ease enforcement burdens on teachers. The policy includes exceptions for students with documented 504 plans or IEP accommodations; administrators said those supports will remain available and will be respected.

What the vote does: The new district policy takes effect in the coming school year; administrators said they will publicize the change, provide building‑level guidance for rollout and consequences, and monitor infractions and implementation data next year.

Committee discussion: Members said they had surveyed parents and students during the policy subcommittee’s deliberations and that the subcommittee tried to balance instructional needs, staff workload and students’ access for legitimate needs. One school committee member urged the district to emphasize the policy’s rationale in communications so parents understand the goals and exceptions.

Next steps: Principals and the administrative team will develop a communications plan for parent, student and staff outreach before the start of the 2025‑26 school year; the committee asked administrators to report back on initial implementation and any data on infractions.