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Martin County highlights high-school rankings and extends districtwide cell-phone ban to high schools
Summary
District communications staff reported three high schools placed among US News 'Best High Schools' rankings and noted the district enforces an all-day cell-phone ban at all grade levels, with staff citing thousands of disciplinary referrals during 2024-25.
Derek Lowe, the district's coordinator of public information and community relations, told the board that all three Martin County public high schools earned places on U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings. Jensen Beach High rose to 133rd in Florida; Martin County High ranked 230th; and a third high school (name given in the district presentation) placed in the report's "best high schools" list. Lowe said the district ordered plaques and banners for the campuses.
Lowe also reported that the district's comprehensive cell-phone policy, which bans device use all day in elementary and middle grades under new Florida law, has been extended locally to high schools and remained in place during the 2024-25 year. Lowe cited local media coverage and shared figures from the district: during 2024-25 the district issued 4,344 referrals affecting 720 students for phone-policy violations, with 78% of referrals at the high-school level.
The presentations included a broadcaster's interview with Superintendent Michael Maine. According to the transcript excerpt read to the board, Maine said the ban "significantly decreased the drama" on campuses and reduced non-engagement in classrooms.
Ending: The district continues to publicize the cell-phone policy and the high-school rankings; staff said the phones must be off and put away but may remain with students for emergencies.
