The Derby Board of Education voted 4-3 on June 23 to approve proposed changes to the Derby High School student handbook that include restrictions on student cellphone use during the school day.

The changes, moved by Becky Mader, assistant superintendent of human resources, were framed by board supporters as measures to improve student focus and mental health. “Banning cell phones during the school day will benefit learning, improve focus, and support our students' mental health well-being,” Mader said during the meeting.

The handbook committee supplied the recommendations, and Mader told the board she had reviewed committee work and believed the changes were “in the best interest of our students.” Board members said they largely agreed on the goal of limiting phone distraction but were divided on whether the policy should apply during lunch or be expanded to a stricter, bell-to-bell ban in a future year. One board member said the district could revisit a bell-to-bell policy “next year depending on how well we master this.”

Opponents raised concerns about enforcement and staff workload during lunch, where supervising hundreds of students without phones could require additional staffing. A board member said hiring an assistant principal to supervise lunches would be an unfair use of that role solely to enforce phone rules.

The board recorded a 4-3 margin in favor of the handbook changes. The motion carried; no roll-call vote was read into the record. The policy will be implemented as described in the approved handbook; several board members said they expect to review stricter options later if needed.

Board members emphasized the policy is intended to shift school culture toward greater focus and learning. Supporters said the change aligns with elements of the district strategic plan and input from parents, teachers and administrators.

The board did not specify a firm timeline for full implementation beyond standard administrative preparations; administrators said details about enforcement and communications with families would follow.