BY KARISSA MILLER

The Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education is working on 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.

The board approved the first reading of Policy #4318 (Student) Use of Cellular and other personal wireless communication devices during the August 11 board meeting. Policy readings require two readings at separate meetings. 

School board attorney Ashley Leonard 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.

Board member Brian Sloan shared his concerns about how will schools enforce the policy.

Superintendent Jeff James suggested having a designated place in the class for cell phones. He said that he’s already looked into a pouch organizer that would hang in the classroom that would prevent a signal. 

The board, board member Mike Kubiniec said, needs to set the expectation for teachers and principals that there will be severe consequences for students who violate the policy.

“We need to do everything we can to eliminate distractions in the classroom,” he added.

The board discussed and debated the best approach to implementing these changes, with some advocating for a complete ban and other board members emphasizing the need for flexibility and consideration of individual needs.

The 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.