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Winton Woods board adopts policy banning student use of personal communications devices during instructional day
Summary
Board members unanimously approved revised policy 51.36 prohibiting student use of cell phones and similar devices during instructional hours (permitted before/after school, on buses and at events); trustees said enforcement will require parent support and that the change aligns with pending state legislation.
The Winton Woods City School Board on Monday adopted revised policy 51.36 to restrict student personal communications devices during the instructional day for grades pre-K through 12.
Under the approved policy, students may use phones before school, after school, on school buses and at school events, but devices are to be powered off and put away during instructional time. Superintendent Denny and board members said phones will remain available in the event of an emergency through district phone systems.
Board members framed the policy as an instructional issue. “This policy eliminates distractions to provide the best learning opportunities for our students,” President Smith said during discussion. Board members repeatedly asked for parental cooperation in enforcing the rule and noted that state lawmakers are debating similar measures: Dr. Johnson referenced Senate Bill 158 and committee testimony on cell-phone restrictions in the Ohio legislature.
Why it matters: Trustees said research and local experience indicate personal device use in class diminishes attention and engagement. The policy is intended to remove that daily distraction and restore focus in classrooms, while allowing parents to contact the school in emergencies.
Discussion and implementation: Board members acknowledged the policy is likely to draw strong reactions from families and students and called for communication and rollout plans. Staff said phones would still be allowed on buses and at after-school activities and that students will have access to school phones if needed. Enforcement details and parent outreach were discussed but specific discipline protocols were not adopted during the meeting.
Board action: The second read and adoption of revised board policy 51.36 passed unanimously.
Ending: Trustees said they will work with families and staff over the summer to prepare for implementation when school reopens.
