Jim Hill senior urges looser phone rules; board questions enforcement and equity

Charlie Porter, a senior at Jim Hill High School serving as student board member, presented a set of proposed revisions to the Jackson Public Schools' electronic-device policy and summarized a student survey she and staff conducted.

Porter read portions of the district's current policy and said she understands both sides of the debate. Quoting the policy, she said: "Cellular phones and other personal electronic devices shall be turned off and kept out of sight at all times, including the daily bus ride to and from school." She told the board students see both pros and cons to stricter limits.

Porter and a staff mentor said they gathered 89 student responses. She reported survey results that included: 92.6% of respondents said they would be more motivated if increased device use during the school day were offered as a reward (question sample size 89), and 99.5% said listening to music while working independently would help focus and productivity. Porter offered five recommended policy changes: allow students to use personal electronic devices during lunch; permit devices during class changes if the school tardy rate is below 5%; allow qualifying students with no discipline referrals or chronic absences to use devices during homeroom until class begins; permit headphones and music during independent practice for students who meet standards; and allow device use as an opportunity for state-proficient students.

Board members asked about parent input, pilot testing, enforcement and how the recommendations would treat students who consistently break rules. Dr. Harrison asked whether parents were surveyed; Porter said they were not but agreed parents could be included in future reviews. Ms. Hilliard asked whether the recommended changes had been piloted; Porter said they had not been piloted.

Board members raised implementation concerns: how staff would prevent students who do not qualify from using privileges, whether privileges should be earned rather than universal, and whether changes should apply only to high schools or to younger grades. Porter said her recommendations were primarily intended for high schools where students are already accustomed to carrying phones and suggested early grades could be handled differently.

Superintendent Doctor Green thanked Porter for the presentation and praised her approach. There was no board vote on the student'proposed changes; trustees thanked Porter and asked staff to consider the input.

Porter's full written recommendations were placed on the record during the information item; board members indicated interest in further conversation and possible involvement of parents and pilot testing before any policy change.