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Lake Ridge superintendent backs state cell‑phone ban, cites reading gains and AI concerns
Summary
Dr. Sharon Johnson Shirley said she supports the governor and cited the state law (bill 185) banning phones in schools, highlighted a nearly 10% rise in 3rd‑grade reading at Longfellow Elementary, and warned about equity and employment risks from AI and new diploma pathways.
Dr. Sharon Johnson Shirley, superintendent of the Lake Ridge New Tech School District, told host Eric Johnson she supports the state’s new prohibition on student cell‑phone use in schools and expects the policy to improve academics and behavior.
"Yes. I do. I agree with the governor 100%," Dr. Shirley said, adding that the prohibition is a state law and referencing "bill 185" for parents who want to read the text. She characterized current student phone use as an addiction and said limiting phones will help students "get back to basics" and participate in class work.
Dr. Shirley argued the law gives schools authority to impose consequences on students who refuse to comply and suggested parents who strongly oppose the policy consider keeping students home. She emphasized that classrooms remain equipped with telephones for genuine emergencies.
On academic results, the superintendent cited state iRead results and district data showing a nearly 10% increase in 3rd‑grade reading proficiency at Longfellow Elementary. She said the district is inventorying a new state‑aligned curriculum this summer and moving ordered K–8 books into schools so students can read physical books in class and at home.
She also discussed technology and artificial intelligence: while calling AI an exciting tool that can speed work, Dr. Shirley warned against letting technology replace students' independent thinking. "I don't want technology telling me how to think," she said, and urged that students learn coding fundamentals and retain choice in career and diploma pathways. She noted concerns about potential inequities if a new diploma format channels students into early career tracks prematurely.
Dr. Shirley said the district will continue collecting data on outcomes and invited researchers and graduate students to work with the district on longitudinal studies of the phone policy's effect on academics and behavior. She also said she had raised equity concerns with state senators and expected further visits and discussions.
The interview concluded with Dr. Shirley expressing optimism about improving test scores and encouraging parents to support teachers by monitoring attendance and homework.
No formal policy vote or district board action on these topics was reported during the program.
