School board approves first reading of cell-phone policy restricting student access during instructional day

The Greenwood 51 School Board approved a first reading of policy JIC, which would bar student access to personal communication devices during the instructional day, at its regular meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Daniel Crockett introduced the policy as Proviso 1.13 and said the district must adopt a cell-phone policy to qualify for Aid to District funding. "There should be no use of communication or electronic devices from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.," he told the board, adding that devices may be stored but not accessed during instruction and that limited exceptions would apply for after-school events, transportation and superintendent-approved instructional activities.

Board members asked how the district would communicate the rule and enforce it. A board member asked whether parents and students had been consulted; Dr. Crockett said he had met with the student council and had heard both support and concerns, and described a planned communication campaign with class meetings and outreach to families leading up to the January implementation date.

Questions focused on operational details: whether phones left in backpacks would be considered compliant (Dr. Crockett said the key criterion is "access"), how staff expectations will be modeled and enforced, and whether parents could retrieve confiscated devices the same day. Dr. Crockett said plans are being developed for same-day handling where possible but acknowledged some cases will require a follow-up day.

A motion for first reading of policy JIC (possession of electronic devices) was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. Board members said the policy is intended to keep instruction focused and to standardize expectations for students and staff. The board asked administration to return with communication resources and an implementation plan at the next meeting.