Madison School District posts survey results as board readies plan for possible statewide cellphone ban

The Madison School District Board of Education on Monday reviewed a districtwide survey on student cellphone use and debated how the district should respond if a proposed state ban reaches law. Dr. Cook, the superintendent, presented the survey and a draft of legislative language that would bar students from accessing personal phones, tablets, gaming devices or smartwatches on school property during the school day unless authorized for instructional purposes.

The survey, which included responses tied to about half of the district’s K–12 student population, showed differing views across groups. Dr. Cook said building response rates were about 48% in elementary schools, 62% in middle school and 55% in the high school. Teachers reported high participation as well: the presenter told the board that roughly 78 high‑school teachers completed the teacher survey and that enforcement of the current…