BY KARISSA MILLER
The Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education continued its discussion Monday night about implementing a policy to restrict student use of cell phones and other wireless devices during the school day.
Under the tentative policy, students will still be able to bring their cell phones to school as long as they are not turned on, used, displayed or visible during instructional time.
According to Board Chairman Doug Knight, the board had to receive additional guidance from the state on the proposed policy following their initial discussion about the policy last month.
As a result, Monday night’s policy discussion was a first reading of Policy #4318 (Student) Use of cellular and other personal wireless communication devices. Policy readings require two readings at separate meetings before they can be implemented.
School board attorney Dean Shatley explained that the change is necessary as a result of a new state law that requires all school districts to have a policy in place by January 1, 2026. The law aims to limit the use of wireless communication devices by students while at school.
Shatley said that the next step for the board is to define “instructional time” in the policy. Otherwise, if the policy is left as is, it would be up to the principal at each school to define instructional time as it relates to the policy.
“Do you want to define instructional time as the entire time a student is required to be at school?” Shatley asked the board.
Board member Mike Kubiniec said that screen addiction is a real problem. He expressed support for requiring phones to be turned off the entire school day.
Kubiniec cited educational sources that say excessive phone screen time negatively impacts learning by reducing attention span and hindering critical thinking.
A majority of the board voiced support for defining instructional time as from “bell to bell,” which means the phones would be required to be turned off from the first bell to the last bell of the day.
Vice Chair Cindy Haynes suggested that those who are on the frontline should help in defining the policy.
The board agreed by consensus to have Superintendent Jeff James poll the principals on how they would define instructional time and to share their thoughts on the proposed policy changes.
Board member Kevin Angell said that the policy, as the board proposed, could be revisited if it is problematic after they receive feedback from the principals or parents.
Policy #4318
Proposed Policy #4318 (Student) Use of Cellular and other personal wireless communication devices must to be turned off during the instructional day, but there are some exceptions:
♦ Students may use wireless devices for personal purposes, including to manage a student’s health care, such as blood sugar monitor and other medical apps, where there is a reasonable need for such communication.
♦ Students may use wireless device for a required or authorized use included in the student’s Individualized Education Plan or Section 504 plan.
♦ Teachers and administrators may authorize individual students to use the devices for instructional purposes, provided that they supervise the students during such use.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other matters:
♦ The board approved a motion to postpone the board operating agreement until its October 13 meeting.
♦ The board heard a first reading of Policy #6340 Transportation Service/Vehicle Contracts. The policy updates reference to the criminal history check requirement, updates legal references and cross references.