Committee asks high school improvement team to present cell-phone policy options

The Barrington School Committee on May 6 voted to request that the Barrington High School (BHS) School Improvement Team coordinate with the district technology department and present their findings and available technological solutions for limiting cell-phone use in school settings. The motion passed by voice vote with members saying "Aye."

The discussion followed reports that several schools in other districts have adopted strict limits on phones during the school day and that vendors offer hardware and software tools to manage devices. Committee members said they want a balanced, district-wide approach rather than leaving enforcement to individual teachers. "If there's a technological solution to make it operationally feasible, I'd like a presentation," one member said.

Parents and residents who spoke during public comment urged a strong policy. A speaker who identified himself as a new resident recommended a "belt-to-belt" ban'phones stored and unused while the school day is in session'and said a state law might be forthcoming. Committee members discussed classroom-management burdens on teachers and the different needs of elementary, middle and high school students; several members asked the BHS team to include both policy options and technology demonstrations (examples cited in the meeting include lockable pouches and centralized device repositories).

The committee emphasized the need to coordinate any district policy with state law if enacted and to continue stakeholder engagement. The BHS team was asked to bring a short presentation to a future meeting that outlines options, costs and implementation steps.