Board agrees to open discussion on student cell-phone policy as follow-up to SIC meeting

The Beaufort County Board of Education Executive Committee on April 29 agreed to begin a board-level conversation about a student cell-phone policy ahead of any fall rollout, while stopping short of making a policy vote at the next meeting.

Colonel Guyer raised the issue and said the district needs an updated cell-phone policy for fall. The committee and superintendent agreed the board should clarify its position before staff implements an operational approach such as phone pouches. "Before we move on anything related to that as a school district, I think we want to know and be really clear on the board's position on that," the superintendent said.

Members recommended the policy be presented as "follow-up from a joint board SIC meeting" under the superintendent's 'other matters' rather than under board business to avoid the perception that a vote would occur immediately. Operations chair Carlton asked for any available data on whether phone restrictions correlate with improved student scores so the board can evaluate effectiveness; some members noted waiting until August for discussion would be late for a fall start, and that an earlier study of evidence would be preferred.

No policy change was adopted at the April 29 meeting; the board asked staff to compile relevant data and to place the item as a discussion on the May agenda so members can review options and possible timelines.