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Board discusses "phones away, bell-to-bell" device policy; plans further review
Summary
Board members debated a proposed device policy that would keep student phones away from bell to bell, citing improved attendance and discipline at other districts while raising concerns about staff training and exceptions for students with job or health needs.
The West Central Area school board devoted substantial discussion to a proposed device policy that would require students to keep cell phones stored for the duration of the school day. Supporters cited other districts’ experience and presented data they said showed a decline in disciplinary referrals after similar policies were implemented.
A board member summarized the policy in practical terms: “the phones are away from Bell to Bell,” and said region-wide superintendent feedback indicated the change has “dramatically improved academics and attendance.” The presenter shared one example saying a school had 240 disciplinary referrals in 2024–25 and 182 after a phone policy was implemented, a difference the speaker characterized as roughly 26% fewer referrals.
Board members asked how the policy would handle legitimate needs, including students who must receive job calls or those participating in off-campus college courses. One member urged a clear plan for exceptions and staff support, saying some staff might need additional skill development or an alternative staff member to manage phone collection to avoid confrontations. Principal Tanya noted teachers will need training and that implementation enforcement in September should begin more gently than full enforcement later in the year.
Members also discussed how district communications apps (for example, Remind) and some college-course apps for students would be accommodated; the board agreed to include the device policy on the Aug. 19 agenda for further refinement and to gather feedback from staff and families.
The board did not adopt the policy at the meeting; it will return for additional review and potential action at an upcoming session.
