Board approves first reading of electronic-device policy after parents urge stricter high‑school rules

The Board of Education, Moorestown Township Public School District, approved first reading of two policies, including the electronic communications/smart devices policy (Policy 55-16), after a committee presentation and public comment urging stricter rules for high school students.

A representative of the policy committee described the proposed policy as “essentially what we expected is away for the day for k through 8. No cell phones… during all time during school. In high school, it's a little different. It's going to be away for the classroom or away for instructional time.” The committee representative said exceptions will include instructional uses, documented accommodations (IEPs, IHPs, 504 plans) and authorized volunteers such as emergency medical responders.

Why it matters: the policy changes will change teachers’ authority to enforce device limits, alter classroom procedures at Moorestown High School and set a districtwide expectation for younger students. Supporters and critics in the community said the policy will shape learning conditions and student well-being.

During the public-comment period, parent and organizer Jamie Cassner urged the board to strengthen the policy at the high school so phones are out of reach throughout the school day. Cassner said she is “one of the main parents behind an initiative Wait Until eighth in Morristown” and argued the mere presence of a smartphone can impair student focus. She told the board, “I urge you to revise the policy so that the phones are stored in their lockers bell to bell with access only in case of emergency or with staff permission or of course in the instance of accommodations regarding an IEP.”

Lisa Trapani, a Moorestown High School educator, told the board about a student who “leave[s] it at home because I perform so much better,” recounting that the student’s parent worried about being unable to reach the child. Trapani said staff cannot enforce healthy use alone and urged community support for limits.

The policy text discussed on first reading would allow high school students responsible use during non‑instructional periods such as lunch and transitions, permit smartwatches only for timekeeping (no notifications), and leave enforcement details and discipline to each building’s code of conduct and handbooks. The policy representative said teachers can collect devices but that punishments and building enforcement rules will be handled through the code of conduct and school handbooks.

Board members and administrators said the superintendent and staff will solicit community feedback between the first and second readings; the committee planned to present a final version at the board’s June meeting. The motion approving first reading of Policy 55-16 and Policy 54-60 passed on the consent of the board; no roll-call vote counts were provided in the meeting record.