Board approves first reading of electronic‑devices policy after students and parents voice objections

The Montoursville Area School Board on Sept. 10 approved the first reading of Policy 237, a district electronic‑devices policy, after a string of public comments urging the board to rely on existing teacher‑level enforcement rather than a districtwide ban.

Jack Diedrich, a senior and editor in chief of the school’s online newspaper, told the board he opposes a districtwide ban and urged greater enforcement of the phone‑pouch system already in classrooms. "I just think it's completely unnecessary," Diedrich said, adding that student journalists rely on phones for reporting and that some teachers already enforce the pouch system successfully.

Parent Dave Boyle said phones are ubiquitous and that a strict blanket ban would punish many students for a few repeat offenders. "You don't teach people how to make good decisions by taking away their ability to make any decisions," Boyle said, and he urged the board to empower teachers to enforce existing rules.

A board member acknowledged the concerns but said that limiting device use in hallways and classrooms promotes focus and verbal interaction among students. The board then approved the policy's first reading by voice vote; the record shows an "aye" voice vote and no recorded 'nay' at the meeting audio.

The policy includes exceptions for instructional use and will return to the board for additional readings and potential adoption following the district’s policy cycle. District staff encouraged members of the public who raised concerns about journalism workflows and classroom exceptions to work with administrators on implementation details and exception procedures.

Next steps: Policy 237 will continue through the district policy process; implementation details and exception procedures will be clarified with principals and classroom teachers prior to final adoption.