Candidates diverge on bell‑to‑bell cellphone ban; many favor limits with allowances for medical needs

Candidates responded to a state legislature bell‑to‑bell ban on student cellphone use and discussed whether smartwatches should be included.

Candidate Kimberly Talbot said she opposes phone use during instruction but supports students keeping phones in backpacks and teaching accountability: “Do I think cell phones should be allowed during the school day? No. I think that a student can have their cell phone in their backpack and we can teach children how to be responsible,” she said. Talbot also called Apple watches “pretty much a cell phone” and said they should be treated similarly.

Candidate Christina Coughlin said she is “torn” on a strict bell‑to‑bell ban and noted concerns about harassment and evidence captured on phones; she emphasized that the district’s 1:1 Chromebook program reduces pressure to use personal devices for instruction and that accommodations are needed for students with medical needs.

Candidate Angela Piazza favored storing phones in lockers to support focus and face‑to‑face interaction, while recognizing medical and emergency exceptions: “I believe that cell phones should be stored in lockers during the day,” she said.

Candidate Mike Trolley spoke to his personal experience raising children and argued youth can handle limited separation from devices, though his comments were framed by personal preference rather than district policy detail.

The candidates urged the district to create clear rules and accommodate students with verified medical needs. The forum did not include any formal district policy decision.