Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Technology Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Hills School District clarifies classroom cell-phone expectations; no districtwide ban
Summary
At its Sept. 4 committee meeting the North Hills School District reiterated that it has no districtwide ban on cell phones, said phone use is governed by student handbooks and teacher permission, and confirmed exceptions for students with 504 plans and IEPs.
The North Hills School District told parents and staff at its Sept. 4 committee meeting that it has no districtwide "bell-to-bell" ban on student cell-phone use but expects that phones and similar devices not be used in classrooms without a teacher's express educational permission.
The clarification, delivered at the start of the meeting, said Pennsylvania does not currently have a law requiring districtwide phone bans and that legislators are exploring possible statewide restrictions. The district said it does not have a standalone policy on cell phones; instead, phone and electronic-device rules are set in the student handbooks that the board approves.
Board officials emphasized that classroom rules should come from teachers and be supported by building principals and the district. The board also said that specific exceptions will be made for accommodations outlined in students' 504 plans and individualized education programs (IEPs) for medical needs or disability accommodations.
The statement did not announce a new board policy or ordinance; rather, it affirmed current practice and signaled the district will monitor state-level developments. The district encouraged adherence to classroom expectations and said staff should support teachers enforcing those expectations.
Details the board did not specify at the meeting included whether the district will propose a standalone phone policy in an upcoming meeting or any enforcement procedures for violations beyond teacher-level classroom management.
