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School committee advances tighter cell phone rules and agrees to seek parent input
Summary
The committee voted to adopt a slightly more restrictive student cell phone and electronic device policy (off-and-away for phones, limited use for other devices) and agreed to hold parent engagement before full implementation, while recognizing potential state legislation that could supersede local rules.
The Lynn Public Schools committee on June 24 advanced revisions to policy JICJ, tightening rules on student cell phones and personal electronic devices and directing district staff to arrange parent engagement before full implementation.
Attorney Charlie Gallo presented the draft, which keeps the district’s general approach but strengthens uniformity across schools. Under the proposal, cell phones would be “off and away” during the school day (no audible or visible alerts), while other electronic devices would be restricted from use but not necessarily required to be physically stored. The draft preserves exceptions for medical or disability needs (IEP / 504) and allows schools to pilot storage solutions such as pouches or lockers.
Committee members raised safety and equity concerns. Member Satterwhite and others said parents want routine access to check on children during the day; Superintendent Alvarez and others said schools will continue to permit staff-mediated emergency contact and that principals reported successful use of a district-moderate approach this past year. Members agreed to conduct parent outreach — forums or surveys — before broader roll-out.
Speakers noted state-level activity: Attorney General Andrea Campbell circulated a model policy recommending more restrictive rules, and State Senator Brendan Crighton has proposed legislation requiring districts to prohibit student access to personal electronic devices during school hours. Gallo told members that if the Legislature enacts a stricter law, the district would have to comply and could revise policy accordingly.
The full committee adopted the draft policy and added a motion to hold parent engagement (forums/surveys) to gather family input before implementation; the committee recorded unanimous votes by members present. District leaders said they will continue outreach to parents, students and local public-safety officials while implementing consistent procedures across schools.
