Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Discipline topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears junior-high cell-phone pilot reduced referrals and improved lunchtime socializing
Summary
Student services reported the junior-high cell-phone pilot produced fewer office referrals and reduced phone-related lunchtime conflicts. Board members asked staff to evaluate whether the pilot should be expanded to the high school.
The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education heard results from a junior-high pilot that restricted student cell-phone use during the school day. Student services staff and junior-high administrators reported a noticeable drop in phone-related conflicts and office referrals.
According to the report, the junior high had 16 office referrals in December 2024; in the current reporting period that figure was four. The running total for the prior school year was 83; year‑to‑date referrals are now 42. Administrators said the pilot appears to have increased face-to-face socialization at lunchtime and decreased interruptions to instructional time.
Board members asked whether the district will review the policy for the high school. Administrators said the junior-high change was explicitly a pilot and that staff will evaluate outcomes before making district‑wide changes; some suggested engaging senior‑high staff later in the school year to explore similar steps.
The board did not take formal action to change policy during this meeting but discussed next steps for review and possible expansion.
