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Board approves new cell phone policy aligned with state law; high schools to use Yondr pouches
Summary
The board approved a phone-free instructional-day policy aligned with House Bill 959; high schools will use Yondr pouches, younger students must power devices off and keep them stored, and the district will train principals on enforcement.
Columbus County’s Board of Education approved a new cell phone policy designed to create a phone-free instructional environment in line with state law (House Bill 959).
Under the policy the district presented, high school students will use Yondr pouches to secure devices during instructional time; middle and elementary students are required to power off devices or accessories and keep them stored in book bags during the instructional day. The policy includes medical and emergency exceptions. District lawyers (Campbell & Shatley) reviewed the policy and advised the board that local districts may require phones to be powered off and stored during instructional time.
Board members raised practical concerns about enforcement at campuses that house both middle- and high-school students. District staff reported the district purchased 1,800 Yondr pouches and that principals will be trained at an administrative retreat on enforcement expectations. If a phone is confiscated for discipline reasons, the student’s parent will be required to pick up the device and meet with the principal at a designated time, district staff said.
Board members stressed the need for consistent enforcement at teacher and principal levels. The policy passed on a motion by Dr. Strickland, seconded by Mr. Enser.
