JCPS to implement 'school-based' cellphone policy starting next year
The Jefferson County Board of Education met on Tuesday to discuss rules they hope will increase students' focus and classroom engagement.
In March, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 208 into law, which mandates all Boards of Education to establish rules restricting cellphone use during instructional hours.
"The law made it a little bit lighter. They said teachers can't allow cellphone use if it has to do with a lesson. We said no. The umbrella is in the classroom. It cannot be used at any time," said JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio.
Beginning next school year, JCPS says there will be a school-based cellphone policy which will allow for each school in the district to create their own plan for implementation.
As part of the policy, schools will develop equitable enforcement standards, monitoring plans, compliance checks, and evaluate necessary exemptions. However, some board members, like Corrie Shull, suggest extending the cellphone ban beyond classrooms to areas like hallways and cafeterias.
"We know we are in the midst of a very serious mental health pandemic. That is in part exacerbated by devices," said Shull.
The board says they will continue to consider what's necessary to ensure the academic success of all students.
"We need to get rid of these cellphones inside of the building. How do we do it? That is the question we are grappling with," said James Craig, JCPS Board member.
Board members say they will consider additions to the policy and vote in May.