Wyndham-Raymond board advances stricter student cellphone policy with first reading after lengthy debate

The Wyndham Raymond School District Board of Directors on June 11 approved a first reading of a new policy that would restrict student use of cellular telephones and other electronic devices during the school day.

Board members and administrators framed the proposal as an attempt to reduce classroom distraction and improve student focus. The policy would make personal devices “off and away” during the defined school day, prohibit device use on elementary buses and during field trips, and limit student access to the district Wi‑Fi from personal devices where the district can technically enforce restrictions.

Supporters said research and experience show devices fragment attention and contribute to problems such as cheating, cyberbullying and other behavioral issues. “The research is so consistent and so indisputable about the negative and harmful effects of portable electronic devices on learning environments,” said Joe (Director), who urged the board to act.

Student representative Maggie Soule told the board she had seen effective classroom approaches and recommended a simple, consistent routine: “The most effective way that I have seen is the collection of phones at the beginning of class and that just being an expectation at the beginning of every class, every day, all year. And this won't create tension between teachers and students because that's just the expectation.”

Administrators warned implementation would require staff time and consistent enforcement. Superintendent Chris Howell explained the policy committee had worked since February, reviewed research and surveyed staff and administrators. He said the draft moves discipline and procedural details from a board regulation to superintendent‑level procedures so building leaders can tailor collection and enforcement methods.

Opponents and cautious board members highlighted enforcement challenges at the high school, where students move between many classes and have varied after‑school responsibilities. Several board members said middle school experience, where expectations are more tightly managed, does not translate directly to the high school environment.

The board voted to carry the motion for a first reading; members indicated they expect to seek more community and staff input before a second reading. No final implementation timetable or exact enforcement mechanism was adopted at first reading.