School committee approves stricter cell-phone policy in 3-2 vote

The Biddeford School Committee voted 3-2 on Aug. 14 to adopt the second reading of policy GCJ, governing the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in schools. Marie moved the measure and Michelle seconded; members Randy, Marie and Michelle voted yes, while John and Lisa voted no.

The policy, described at the meeting as a clearer framework for administrators and teachers to manage phone use during the school day, was presented during the committees second-reading agenda item. The superintendent reviewed the policy prior to the committees vote.

Parents spoke during the public comment period in support of stronger limits. "I do think it's a positive," said Amy, a parent with children in the district, noting she had researched district policy and national developments on phone bans. "If we're taking on tough topics in this district and we're really giving the tools to our administrators and our teachers to make sure they have the tools in their toolbox, I really think that we need to have a serious conversation about dress code and what is appropriate and what is not appropriate in our district." Amy linked the phone policy to broader expectations for student presentation and behavior.

Committee members who supported the measure framed it as providing staff with clearer options to reduce distractions and strengthen classroom instruction. Those who opposed it said they had concerns about implementation and whether the policy would be enforced consistently across schools.

The committee opened the item to public comment before taking the vote. After the vote, the policy was recorded as adopted by a 3-2 margin; no amendment to the policy was recorded in the transcript. The committee did not specify an exact effective date at the meeting.

The committee will post the adopted policy and next steps for implementation on the district website and share guidance with principals and staff, as typical for newly adopted policies.