School committee approves new rule limiting student phone use during instructional time, 4–2

The Biddeford School Committee voted 4–2 on Aug. 8 to approve an amended student cell-phone policy, JICJ, that bans phone use during instructional time and leaves building-level procedures to principals.

The policy, advanced by the committee’s policy subcommittee and explained at the meeting by a committee representative identified as Chris, limits the district’s ban to periods when a teacher is instructing and leaves details — such as whether classrooms use locked boxes, locker storage, or other procedures — to building administrators. Superintendent Ray told the committee the district has long expected students not to use phones during class and that the policy formalizes that expectation.

Why it matters: board members and parents framed the vote as an effort to reduce distractions and the harms of social media during school hours. Supporters said teachers had repeatedly asked for board-level backing after classroom-level methods failed; opponents said the policy did not go far enough and urged a stricter, districtwide ban.

Parent comments and concerns drove much of the discussion. Amy, a parent of two district students, said she supports a policy but worried about rushed implementation, parental resistance, and the potential for confrontations between teachers and students over enforcement. "What's that gonna look like for my son going into a class? Are we gonna fight kids?" she asked, urging the board to "slow down" and consider how rules will be applied.

Christine Warren, a parent and former educator, and Christina Driscoll, another parent, voiced support for the policy and said other districts’ experiences showed classroom productivity improved when phones were out of students’ hands. Supporters cited research and recent statewide attention to youth mental-health impacts of social media.

Committee clarifications: Chris, who summarized committee edits, said language was tightened to remove an apparent automatic referral to police; police involvement would be limited to cases where a phone is implicated in criminal activity (for example, drug sales or illicit material), and then handled by trained detectives rather than a school resource officer. Chris also distinguished capital-P policy from building-level procedures (lowercase p), saying the board would pass broad policy while principals decide day-to-day implementation.

Operational questions from parents were addressed at length. Courtney Benson, a parent of an eighth-grade student, asked who would be responsible if a phone stored in a classroom slot or "hotel" was lost or damaged. Superintendent Ray and other board members said bringing a phone to school remained a student/parent choice; the district would provide storage cases but would not assume liability for a phone a student chose to bring. They said theft or intentional damage could be pursued through normal disciplinary channels or with legal recourse.

The vote and next steps: Chair announced the motion passed 4–2, with Committee Member John McCurry and (transcribed) "Badmaze" recorded as opposed. The committee did not move on the related administrative regulation (JICJ R), which many members said duplicated existing handbook language; that regulation will remain on the table so principals and administration can refine procedures. A second reading of JICJ is scheduled for the committee’s Aug. 14 meeting, and the administration said it aims to have building procedures prepared for the first day of school.

What the policy does not do: JICJ applies only to instructional time; passing periods, lunch, and other non-instructional times are not covered. Wearable devices were discussed and will be handled under the same general approach (kept in bags or lockers unless a building-level solution is created). Board members acknowledged the change will create "growing pains," and representatives said they will monitor implementation and adjust procedures as needed.

The committee adjourned after routine announcements and scheduling items.