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Pittsfield reports sharp drop in cell‑phone referrals; district to survey staff and students
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Bishop presented data showing a decrease in cell‑phone referrals (about 1,525 so far this year versus roughly 3,757 at the same point last year). The district will hold dean meetings, run surveys of staff and students in January, and share best practices across schools.
Assistant Superintendent Bishop told the Pittsfield School Committee on Dec. 18 that district data show a notable drop in cell‑phone referrals compared with the previous year, and outlined steps the district will take to confirm and sustain the trend.
Bishop said the district recorded about 1,525 referrals so far this year compared with about 3,757 at the same point last year, representing a substantial decline. He said the reduction is districtwide, with grades 7–10 showing the highest incidence in the secondary band. Bishop recommended continuing dean and principal meetings to share what’s working, conducting a quick faculty and student perception survey in January, and developing a set of best practices for schools to replicate.
Student representatives told the committee they have noticed fewer phone incidents; one student described teacher incentives (extra test points) and phone pockets as contributing to the decline. Committee members asked whether the drop reflects improved behavior or underreporting; Bishop said the district will check by walk‑throughs, surveys, and continued data monitoring.
The committee accepted the update by voice vote and asked staff to return with survey results and any additional breakdowns by school.
