Lawrence schools report sharp drop in visible student cell phones as district moves to ‘cell‑phone‑free’ classrooms

The Lawrence Board of Education Monday heard a progress report on the district’s policy to make classrooms “cell‑phone‑free” during instructional time and what administrators described as early, measurable reductions in visible phones in secondary classrooms.

"Classrooms will be cell phone free during the instructional day to ensure a productive, respectful, and safe learning environment throughout the district," Dr. Janice Swift, superintendent, told the board during the update.

District leaders said the third quarter of the school year focused on learning and practice and that the fourth quarter is full implementation. JC Roberson, director of elementary schools, and Dr. Wayman Irvin, director of secondary schools, reported observations, walkthrough data and next steps for elementary, middle and high schools.

The district reported walkthrough comparisons at the…