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Parent urges Region 4 cellphone ban; BOE policy committee to discuss in spring
Summary
At the Nov. 13 meeting an EES parent urged the board to create a Region 4 cellphone ban, distributed data on negative learning impacts of phones, and asked for parent education; board members said the district’s mandated policy will be discussed by the Policy Committee and Joint Board in spring 2026.
During public comment at the Nov. 13 Essex BOE meeting an EES parent called for adoption of a Region 4 cellphone ban, distributed data materials to board members about phones’ negative effects on learning, and said she would like the district to educate parents about student phone use.
Board materials and staff comments noted that the district is required to have a phone policy. Members said the item will be considered further by the Policy Committee and the Joint Board in spring 2026. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sarah Brzozowy also noted a staff book‑of‑the‑month selection focusing on phone usage and invited staff to participate.
Why it matters: Student device policies intersect with classroom management, equity and parent expectations; a regional approach would require coordination among districts. The board’s acknowledgment of a mandated policy indicates the item is on an official development timeline.
What happens next: Policy Committee and the Joint Board will review the issue in Spring 2026; the board may receive draft policy language and recommendations at that time.
