Savannah-Chatham says new state cell-phone law in place; district reports improved attendance

Derek Butler, chief academic officer, briefed media on the district's response to state legislation requiring a district cell-phone policy. "This particular time is that right now, the current policy remains in place...the policy does not go into effect until next school year," Butler said, adding that the board passed a new policy at the Dec. 17 board meeting and that the district will provide preparatory guidance and resources to families over the coming months.

Butler also presented attendance data. He said the district's attendance rate was about 74 percent two years ago and about 77 percent last year, and that first-semester data show further improvement. "Headline, more students are in school every day if you get nothing else," Butler said. He highlighted pilot work (everyday labs in 10 schools, including some Promise/Priority schools) and attendance-recovery options designed to provide flexible learning pathways and supports that help students re-engage.

District leaders said the attendance work is an ongoing effort: chronic absenteeism remains a concern, particularly at some high schools, and officials said they will expand supports and consider how to scale promising pilots.

Next steps: the district will publish a press release and additional guidance on its website and will provide further details to families and the board ahead of the policy's effective date next school year.