High school students ask Fremont County School District #2 to loosen classroom phone restrictions
Summary
Two seniors presented survey results and a written proposal urging the board to allow more flexible cell‑phone use for high‑school students, including teacher‑permitted in‑class use, clearer warning steps before confiscation and allowances for dual‑credit authentication.
Two seniors and members of student council presented results from a student and staff survey and proposed revisions to the district’s cell‑phone policy at the Oct. 24 Fremont County School District #2 board meeting.
Chloe Nguyen, identified herself as a senior and a presenter, said the group collected 74 survey responses and summarized the findings: “Out of the 51 respondents that had a clear answer, 61% find the current policy sufficient, while 39% find it insufficient.” She told the board that 22% of respondents supported a K–12 ban on phones while 78% opposed it, and that respondents did not favor banning phones for dual‑credit classes.
The students proposed a written policy that would keep phones available before school, during passing periods, lunch and after school, but would explicitly allow in‑class phone use when a teacher grants permission. The written proposal also recommends allowing students enrolled in dual‑credit courses to access phones during class to retrieve two‑factor authentication or access course resources that may be blocked on school computers. The proposal suggests an incremental discipline approach: one teacher warning or a retention of the device for the remainder of class for a first offense; subsequent infractions would result in the device being held in the office until the end of the school day, with a probationary step for repeated violations.
The superintendent asked for a written copy of the students’ proposed language and staff indicated copies would be made available to trustees. One trustee described the students’ proposed approach as “very liberal as far as phone usage,” while other trustees said they appreciated the thoughtful survey work and asked staff to include the item on the upcoming Nov. 4 policy work session agenda for further discussion.
The students closed by urging policies that prepare seniors for independence and by asking for “a warning before the phone is taken away and sent to Mrs. Garcia’s office.” The board did not take formal action on the proposal at the meeting; trustees scheduled policy discussion for the Nov. 4 work session.
