Committee discusses electronic-device policy, student input and 'phone‑jail' options; plans first read at March board meeting

The Council Rock School District Policy Committee reviewed proposed revisions to the district electronic-device policy on March 3 after staff reported meetings with student representatives from both high schools. Staff told the committee that students generally supported the current approach used in high schools and described classroom uses such as photographing microscope slides, recording and editing video projects, scanning QR codes, and uploading work to Canvas. The committee discussed balancing classroom utility with equity and privacy concerns, and asked staff to bring the revised policy to the board for a first reading in March.

Staff reported that students described a progression from stricter device policies in freshman year to more flexibility by senior year, and that students framed the policy as an opportunity to learn digital citizenship, responsibility and accountability. Committee members heard multiple examples from students and principals: use of phones in science labs where cellphone photography is the most efficient option; use in social studies and English for video projects; and use of QR codes in marketing and project work. Staff also noted that other personal devices (tablets, iPads) were raised by students as instructional tools.

Board members focused on three practical issues: parity, enforcement logistics and privacy. Several members expressed concern that not all students have phones or devices with equal capability; staff said district Chromebooks can perform many tasks but sometimes lack the efficiency of a student’s phone. The committee discussed classroom practices to avoid creating a grading disadvantage for students without personal devices, including relying on Chromebooks, teacher facilitation, or allowing some work to be completed as homework.

On enforcement and equipment, committee members discussed teacher-managed "phone jails" (device sleeves or locked bags), classroom storage solutions, and whether the district should purchase sleeves for teachers who request them. Staff said many teachers already use inexpensive sleeves or trays; the committee asked staff to gather product and price information and return recommendations. Members also raised privacy concerns about staff using personal phones for student work and emphasized that staff should not search student devices.

Committee directions and next steps: staff will (1) present the electronic-device policy on the March board agenda for a first reading, (2) compile product and cost estimates for phone-storage options that teachers request, and (3) coordinate with curriculum leaders so lessons do not require personal phones in a way that could create parity issues. The committee also asked that the finalized policy be included in the district's beginning‑of‑year review materials for principals to share with families and students.