Cleveland High assistant principal cites drop in suspensions after phone ban

Mr. Turner, identified in the meeting as an assistant principal at Cleveland High School, told the Cleveland City Schools Board that the schoolyear after implementation of the districts no-self-on cell-phone policy showed measurable behavioral and academic benefits.

"Every teacher that I've talked to this past school year is very appreciative of the position that you guys took in regard to having a no self on policy on our campus," Mr. Turner said, adding that eliminating phones "immediately increased our student engagement." He said the school also saw "a major reduction in our excessive behavior."

Turner presented discipline and attendance figures the board was shown: a 16% reduction in out-of-school suspensions districtwide comparing the 2024 and 2025 school years, and a 40% reduction for one cohort of students followed from freshman to sophomore year. He also reported the lowest number in recent years of students required to attend make-up classes, listing 114 students in that category for the year.

Turner framed the numbers as part of broader classroom and social gains: he described quieter cafeterias, students choosing board games and increased face-to-face interaction, and a parent who called to say the phone-policy change led to a meaningful moment with her child. Board members asked questions about the data and implementation; Turner said staff and families had generally given "positive comments."

The presentation was an informational review tied to the boards annual cell-phone policy update; no policy change or new action was proposed during the meeting. Board members did not vote on further policy amendments at this session.

Provenance: presentation and figures shown to the board were introduced during the cell-phone policy agenda item and summarized by Mr. Turner (transcript discussion began at SEG 297 and ended at SEG 439).