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CHCCS reports early results from HB 959 implementation; teachers and parents largely supportive, students mixed
Summary
District staff reported on Policy 43-18 implementation under HB 959: high schools now prohibit phone and earbud use during instruction and transitions; teacher and parent survey responses were mostly favorable while students were mixed; enforcement at transitions remains a challenge.
District administrators updated the board on early implementation of the new wireless-device policy required by HB 959 and reflected in Policy 43-18.
Dr. Robin Buckram (speaker S10), executive director of secondary schools, said elementary and middle schools are largely using an "away-for-the-day" approach with exceptions for medical or IEP needs, while high schools now prohibit visible phone or earbud use during instruction and during transitions to and from classes. "They can't have cell phones out. They can't have earbuds," Buckram said, noting exceptions remain for medical needs.
The district administered Panorama surveys and received roughly 3,000 student responses plus responses from teachers and families. Buckram summarized results: teachers report improved classroom focus and engagement and feel supported by administrators when enforcing the rule; parents strongly support the policy; students reported awareness but mixed opinions about fairness and consistency. Discipline data to date included about 116 referrals for phones/devices (113 of those at the high-school level).
Jesse Casey (speaker S27), principal at East Chapel Hill High, said schools have emphasized communications, advisory lessons and reset assemblies and that administrators plan further messaging and reinforcement in semester two. He described classroom improvements and said administrators plan additional reminders for transitions where enforcement is hardest.
Next steps: principals will continue quarterly reminders, reinforce expectations after breaks and provide additional supports to make enforcement consistent across schools.
