Committee advances cell-phone policy to second reading; implementation slated for next school year

The Portsmouth School Committee advanced policy JICJ, governing student use of cell phones and personal electronic devices, to its second reading and discussed an implementation timeline that would take effect with the next school year.

Under the policy language the committee discussed, cell phones would not be permitted during the school day at elementary and middle schools. At the high school, personal devices would be required to be secured in the classroom during instructional time; limited use would be permitted between classes and at lunch. The draft preserves exceptions for students who require devices under an individualized education program (IEP), Section 504 plan, or multilingual learner accommodations.

“Because of the other technology that's available, the Chromebooks…we felt like that was not necessary at this time,” said Miss McDade, who chairs the Policy Subcommittee, explaining why limited in-classroom phone use for academic purposes was not included in the draft.

Committee members agreed to include administrative direction that the policy’s implementation begin with the upcoming school year (an implementation date such as September was discussed). Several members asked that district leaders re-survey staff, students and parents after about a year of implementation to assess how the limited-use provisions are working and whether the policy needs further revision.

Supporters said the district has engaged staff, parents and building administrators during development and that the resulting policy is enforceable and aligns with available classroom technology.

The committee completed a second-read step on the policy at the meeting; a final adoption vote and formal implementation language will be taken up at the committee’s next scheduled consideration of the policy.