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Superintendent to hold community conversations after split survey on student phone access
Summary
Kent County superintendent presented parent survey results showing roughly half of parents split on student phone access and described plans for community conversations and demonstrations of phone 'pouch' options. A draft policy is expected to return to the board around April after outreach.
Superintendent Dr. McComas told the board on Jan. 12 that Kent County Public Schools has circulated a parent survey on student cell-phone access and is using the results to shape a potential district policy.
"Approximately 42% say it's very important [for their child to have access to a phone during the school day], and 18% say it's somewhat important," Dr. McComas said, summarizing the survey results and noting responses were similar across elementary and secondary parents. He described 'pouch' solutions used in neighboring districts — a magnetized pouch kept with students during the day — and said surrounding counties (Cecil, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester) reported positive impacts on focus and behavior after trials.
Dr. McComas said the survey alone was not sufficient and pledged to host a series of community conversations in late February or early March so parents can see pouch hardware, ask questions and help shape a policy. He said the board can expect a more fully developed policy proposal in April after those conversations and additional public input.
Board members and attendees raised questions about national trends and whether the district is considering practices adopted by other states. Dr. McComas said the district is aligning its approach with the Maryland State Department of Education task force recommendations and welcomed additional research from board members and the public.
The superintendent characterized the work as informational for now; formal policy action will follow the community engagement and a formal draft brought back to the board.
