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Student input shapes cell phone policy discussion at Stow-Munroe Falls board meeting
Summary
Students told the Stow-Munroe Falls board that the district's classroom phone caddy system reduces distractions but raised concerns about emergency access and enforcement as the district considers a state-directed cell phone policy for 2025—26.
The Stow-Munroe Falls City School District Board of Education on Oct. 20 continued discussion on a state-directed cell phone policy for the 2025—26 school year after a student-centered "listen and learn" presentation and feedback from the student board representative.
Superintendent Dr. Doug Gould said staff and students had been consulted, and that the district's current practice places phones in lockers or book bags for grades K-8 and uses a classroom caddy system for grades 9-12. Dr. Gould said the practice was implemented "to reduce distraction and improve engagement," and that students and teachers have reported that it is effective.
Avery Swanson, the student board representative, told the board the current system "works extremely well," adding that students appreciated being able to access phones for family communication during unusual events. "It's nice to have it in the room because as we know things happen, emergencies will happen," Avery said. "...having it put away but also in hands reach was very, very nice, and we all appreciate that system." (Avery Swanson, student board representative)
Students also told board members they worry about access during medical or anxiety-related incidents and that locker access is not practical for many high-school students. Proposed solutions discussed by students and staff included keeping the classroom caddy system, allowing phones powered off in backpacks (but not confiscating them), permitting phone use during lunch and study hall, and giving some teacher discretion for emergencies. Several students stressed that enforcement guidance for staff must be clear to avoid placing an undue burden on teachers.
Board members asked whether concerns about safety and access were driving the district's approach; one board member urged decisions be evidence-based rather than fear-based. Dr. Gould said the administration would continue to gather data, solicit feedback from student council and staff, and return to the board with additional information.
What happened at the meeting - Dr. Gould presented the results of student and staff feedback captured during "listen and learn" sessions. - Avery Swanson reported students find the caddy system reduces distraction, but raised concerns about access during emergencies and the practicality of locker use. - No policy change was adopted at the meeting; the district will continue data collection and conversations with student council and administrators.
Speakers (selected) - Avery Swanson, Student Board Representative, Stow-Munroe Falls City School District (quoted) - Dr. Doug Gould, Superintendent, Stow-Munroe Falls City School District - Multiple board members asked clarifying questions (transcript labels include Sheehan and others).
Authorities - Governor Mike DeWine was referenced by administration as having provided direction about cell phone policy for the 2025—26 school year (referenced by Dr. Gould). Referenced by: cell phone policy discussion.
Provenance - Topic intro: student presentation and superintendent remarks beginning at 00:36:29. - Topic finish: board questions and direction to gather more data at 00:49:50.
Ending The board did not adopt a new cell phone policy at the Oct. 20 meeting. Administration will continue to collect student and staff feedback and provide further recommendations to the board.
