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Vashon Island School Board to hold May 14 work session on districtwide bell-to-bell cellphone policy
Summary
After hours of public comment and internal discussion, the Vashon Island School District board scheduled a May 14 community work session to gather student, staff and public input on potentially expanding McMurray Middle School's bell-to-bell phone policy districtwide.
The Vashon Island School District Board on Monday agreed to hold a May 14 community work session to collect student, staff and public input on revising Policy 3245, which governs student use of telecommunication devices.
Board members said the March incident at the high school and research on youth mental health and learning provide urgency to the review, but several stressed the need for a deliberative, community-driven process that addresses enforcement and cultural change.
Why it matters: Parents and multiple board members cited studies and recent litigation involving social platforms as evidence that unrestricted phone access in schools can reduce attention, increase anxiety and enable nonconsensual recording. McMurray Middle School's implementation of an "away for the day" or bell-to-bell policy was repeatedly held up as a local model for possible expansion.
What the board said: "We need to hear from the students, staff and community and then figure out how to implement a policy that can be sustained," Board Member Jess said during the discussion. Chair Roby and others emphasized an outreach plan that would involve student surveys and forums.
What speakers told the board: Parent Aaron Simmons told the board he supports a districtwide bell-to-bell rule to create an academic and social environment free from recording and addictive app exposure. Parent Megan said research shows a connection between heavy smartphone use and declines in attention, social interaction and sleep.
Process and next steps: The board unanimously approved a May 14 work session for community input. Administrators and board members said any policy change would require an implementation plan that includes teacher training, communication with families and an enforcement protocol; they also discussed options such as staggered phase-ins or exemptions for documented health or safety needs.
What wasn't decided: No policy language was adopted, and no vote was taken. Board members said they wanted to gather more input through the May 14 session and a May 28 presentation so that possible policy proposals could be considered publicly before a vote.
The board asked students (via the student representatives) to design a survey and said staff would work to ensure outreach to underrepresented groups and StudentLink. The meeting adjourned after additional business and public comment.
