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School committee approves first reading of strict student cell‑phone policy; implementation details to follow
Summary
On first reading the Bangor School Committee approved a policy restricting personal devices that connect to cellular networks during the school day. Members sought clarifications about definitions, buses/field trips, equity and emergency procedures; administration said implementation plans will be finalized over the summer with an anticipated August start.
The Bangor School Committee on June 10 approved the first reading of a revised student cell‑phone policy (JICG) that limits use of personal devices that connect to cellular networks during the school day.
Superintendent Robinson presented the revised policy and committee members sought clarifications on operational details. Member Speed asked whether “bell‑to‑bell” would be defined precisely and noted the high school already uses device boxes during class periods. Member Cook and others raised concerns about whether the policy would apply on buses and during field trips and whether personal laptops and assistive devices would be excluded.
During discussion members also flagged equity and circumvention risks — for example, students with specialized research laptops or wearable devices — and asked how exemptions or academic‑need exceptions would be managed. The administration said the policy language includes personal devices that can connect to the cellular network and that the district will develop implementation procedures this summer; administrators indicated the high school’s issued Chromebooks will remain supported for instruction.
The committee approved the first reading by voice vote (tallied as 7‑0). Administration said it will return with detailed operational guidance for administrators and staff on enforcement, emergency protocols and any necessary exceptions before the policy takes effect.
