Board launches stakeholder-led review of student cell-phone use; plans school visit and surveys

The Delaware Academy board discussed student cell-phone use and directed a committee-led review aimed at balancing classroom instruction, student safety and family concerns. The code-of-conduct committee (Speaker 9) outlined plans to visit a district that operates a cell-phone-free model using storage pouches, meet with student representatives and collect surveys from families, staff and students to inform possible policy changes.

Committee members and staff described incidents the district has seen, including phones used during instruction, recorded incidents circulated on social media that disrupted school and bullying behavior that originates outside school but affects students during the day. "...we found I was able to find out that a school nearby... they are completely cell phone free...students put their cell phones in what is called a yonder pouch," the committee member said, describing the model and suggesting a visit to study implementation and impacts.

Board members emphasized a stakeholder-driven approach: staff outlined timing constraints around the end of the school year and suggested resuming in September with student representatives who will remain in district leadership positions. The board did not adopt a new policy but tasked the code-of-conduct committee to return with findings and proposed language after research, school visits and surveys.

Next steps include scheduling the site visit, compiling interview and survey results, and drafting policy recommendations for future board consideration.