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Board advances stricter cell‑phone rule after public comment, first reading passes 5–1
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Summary
After public comments and review of junior‑high pilot data showing fewer referrals, the Norfolk Public Schools board approved a first reading to extend a bell‑to‑bell locker policy to high school students (exceptions and final wording to be resolved); board set a May second reading.
The Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education moved a proposed districtwide electronic‑device rule to a second reading after a lengthy public comment period and board debate, approving the first reading 5–1.
Public commenters urged the board to keep cell phones out of classrooms. One speaker told the board, "Let's be the adults in the room" and argued that students' phone use diminishes attention and social engagement. Jan Haberman, a Norfolk resident, supported continuing the junior‑high policy into high school and said the policy has improved classroom focus and lunchtime socialization at the junior high.
Board members reviewed junior‑high pilot results reported by Mr. Hughes: cell‑phone referrals in March fell from 29 in 2024 to 5 this March, and year‑to‑date referrals dropped from 166 to 61. Proponents of extending the locker rule argued a bell‑to‑bell approach centralizes enforcement and reduces teacher burden; opponents warned about unintended impacts on older students with driving, jobs or family responsibilities and suggested maintaining flexibility for open campus and IEP/medical exceptions.
Tom Stanton and others cited teacher survey data presented to the board; Stanton summarized research on distraction, noting teacher responses showed high reported instruction interference. Eric Wilson, the superintendent‑designate, said administration will prepare communications and implementation steps if the board adopts the policy at final reading in May, including code‑of‑conduct adjustments and outreach to families and staff.
The first reading passed 5–1; board members indicated they will solicit additional feedback from teachers, parents and students before taking a final vote at the May meeting.
