Board reviews cell‑phone procedure intended to limit classroom distractions; members expect parent questions

The Geary County Board of Education reviewed a proposed cell‑phone and electronic‑device procedure that staff plan to include in the district handbook and share with parents before the school year.

"This is not a penalty or a punishment for students. It is our way of removing a distraction so that students can be better focused on the instruction that they are receiving from their teachers," Dr. Eggleston told the board when introducing the policy, which outlines progressive consequences such as conferences with the teacher or an administrator and parent involvement when appropriate.

Board members acknowledged the policy's goal but warned it could prompt pushback from parents who want constant access to their children. Members asked how the district would ensure consistent enforcement and whether principals would hold teachers accountable when expectations vary from classroom to classroom. Dr. Eggleston said administrators would address staff who fail to enforce the procedure and that consistency across classrooms is necessary for the policy to be effective.

What happens next: The procedure will be included in the handbook for public review; staff will brief administrators and, if adopted, implement the procedure at the start of the school year.