Public commenters urge phone-use flexibility and on-site project transparency
Summary
Public commenters asked the board to allow student phone use during non-instructional times and proposed simple, on-site signs showing percent-complete for construction projects; the board said it will consider the input as it finalizes policies and project communications.
During public comment at the Nov. 17 Transylvania County Board of Education meeting, residents urged two changes: relaxing student phone restrictions during non-instructional times and improving on-site transparency for construction projects.
William Mullenax told the board that "phones can be a tool rather than a distraction" and urged the district to allow phone use during lunch and transitional times, citing House Bill 959 and examples in other North Carolina counties. He said phones help students coordinate rides and can be used productively in classes for tuning, pitch training and research. "Allowing responsible phone use isn't about giving students free rein. It's about teaching them how to manage technology wisely," he said.
Steve Christopher, a retired general contractor, proposed placing simple, 4-by-8 status signs at construction sites that would show percent of dollars complete and key scope items so the public can readily understand project progress. He said he would finance materials and install signs with district approval and coordination with project staff.
The board received the comments; staff and board members said they would take the feedback under advisement as they finalize policy language and project communications.
