Southwestern board adopts strict cell-phone ban for students, updates handbooks

The Southwestern Consolidated School Board on a 7-0 vote approved revisions to its student handbooks that require students to keep personal cell phones put away for the entire school day, with limited exceptions for after-school extracurricular activities.

Superintendent (S2) told the board the change follows state legislation and explained the practical rule: "None of our students should have cell phone during the day. Basically, the gist of it is students are gonna be required to keep their cell phones put away all day long in their locker, or in the car, but they're not to be out." The policy specifies a school day begins when students board a school bus or enter the building, and staff may confiscate visible devices and refer the student to the office for discipline.

The handbook updates also add an indoor air-quality section and a dining-guest rule required by state law that guests must sit with the student and not with other students. The board approved the elementary handbook and then advanced the high-school handbook changes, which include the cell-phone prohibition, in a separate vote.

Board members and staff discussed enforcement and transitions. One member noted enforcement will be difficult but said they expect long-term benefits: "I'm sure that the enforcement of that cell phone policy will be difficult, but I do appreciate it. I think it'll be good results for the kids in the long run" (Committee member S5). The administration said the board policy will be finalized after the required readings, with implementation expected in June after the second reading.

The high-school handbook allows students to use personal electronic devices during and after extracurricular activities and includes updated attendance and e-learning-day provisions. The district said it will publish handbook changes on its website rather than requiring paper updates, and parents will be able to review materials online.