School Board Lifts Student Cellphone Ban

In a surprising move although apparently inevitable, the Wednesday approved a policy that allows high school students to use cellphones between classes, during lunch and under teacher supervision.

The action was taken despite the fact that a vote was planned for later this month and several board members continued to express uneasiness.

But the fact that almost all high school students have cellphones and banning them has resulted in much conflict made the change seem destined and made many school staff members happy.

“It's the real world,” Principal Bob Anderson said in a side comment during Wednesday's meeting.

The administration had made the policy only a discussion topic for a second straight meeting after board members said last month that they wanted more information.

In response, 9th Grade Assistant Principal Steve Louella on Wednesday repeated a presentation he had earlier made to the board's instructional affairs committee. Among other things, he said the ban is unenforceable and resulted last year in 457 9th grade violations and 47 suspensions as students didn't want to hand over their phones. Android phones with their multiple applications, Luella added, can be an educational advantage under teacher supervision.

But several board members expressed several concerns.

Kim Rivera said she is worried kids at lunch will call students in class and even more concerned that hallway use will result in more late arrivals to class.

New board member Elizabeth Cerasi asked about the potential for inappropriate texting between teachers and students. Superintendent David Baugh responded that teachers have a high level of professionalism and such activity would not be tolerated.

Ralph Douglass expressed frustration that the new policy has already been adopted to some extent.

“We haven't even had a chance to talk it out and it sounds like it has been implemented,” he said.

Baugh said he has talked to several superintendents whose districts have adopted a similar policy and seen a “significant drop in violations and problems.”

“It makes for a calmer, more focused atmosphere,” he added.

But Rivera wasn't satisfied at that point, asking for specific figures related to a drop in violations.

Anderson said he phased in a similar policy over two years in South Carolina and it was very successful. In the first year, he said, only 'A' students were allowed cellphone access and that helped with grades as well.

The most outspoken proponent was board member Chester Marshall, who said students are mature enough to be deal with the new policy and school staff is talented enough to handle the change. He also said the move has worked in Pennsbury and Morrisville.

Shafer Middle School Principal Bill Incollingo asked that the new policy also be applicable to younger students. But the board agreed to discuss that at a later date.

As the hourlong debate winded down, board member Harry Kramer suddenly asked that the agenda be changed to include a vote on the matter. Rivera seconded the motion, which was approved. And then the board voted 7-0 to approve the policy, with Cerasi abstaining on both motions and Kathleen Lesnevec absent.

The decision drew applause from staff members.

“Now it's time to see our students mature,” Lewis said immediately after the vote.

After the meeting, Baugh and Assistant Superintendent Monica McHale-Small, who drafted the policy, said they were surprised by the vote but pleased. Douglass said he had heard enough new information to be comfortable lifting the ban.