Board adopts cell-phone policy; district to roll out towers, communications this summer
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Summary
The Stratford Board of Education adopted a new electronic-devices policy requiring high-school students to store phones during class and retaining a K–8 phone-free environment. The district plans summer training, parent communication and a pilot install of wall-mounted storage towers.
The Stratford Board of Education voted to adopt an electronic-devices policy (policy number presented as P5131.81A) at its June 24 meeting, setting new rules for student cell-phone use and a summer implementation schedule.
Under the new policy, high-school students will be required to place phones in wall-mounted storage towers at the start of class; the towers reviewed at the meeting hold about 36 devices each. K–8 students will remain subject to a phone-free standard during the school day, including cafeteria and hallways. The policy allows teachers to request a short-term waiver for instructional uses (for example, using a phone to tune instruments) if approved by a building principal.
District staff told the board the towers chosen are cost-efficient and removable in case of emergency. The cost for the first set of towers and rollout was described as roughly $10,000; funding sources cited during the meeting included district budget lines identified by administration. Staff said a summer implementation period is planned to allow principals time to train staff, notify families, and establish pick-up procedures for confiscated phones.
Officials described a communication campaign that will include short videos or podcasts — one district official said production options include an AI-generated explanation — plus more in-depth guidance for principals. District administrators said enforcement will use progressive discipline and building-level parent outreach when necessary.
Board members asked about discipline, parent buy-in and how the towers would be managed. Administrators said the policy would not be implemented until the summer preparations are complete, and that principals and building-level administrators will handle operational details.