Schools Review Cell Phone Ban -- Board Looks at Limited Student Use After Hours
Posted on: Wednesday, 24 August 2005, 09:00 CDT
DeSoto County school officials are considering relaxing a ban on student possession of cell phones to allow youngsters to use them on campus after school hours.
The proposed change was presented to county school board members on first reading Monday evening, but no vote was taken or required. Two readings are required to change the policy.
Charlie Alexander, assistant superintendent for personnel, said safety and communication with parents have been cited as factors in support of the change. He said officials welcome comments from board members.
"I want to think about this," said Ann Jolley, board president.
The proposal also is being sent out to schools, Alexander said.
Student use of cell phones would still be prohibited in school buildings and school buses during school hours, and disciplinary guidelines are outlined for violations. The disciplinary steps would be:
First violation - phone would be taken up with parent required to come to school to pick it up.
Second violation - in-school suspension with parent picking up phone at the end of the suspension.
Third violation - school suspension with the student no longer allowed to have a phone at school. Parent would have to pick up the phone.
In a memo to school board members, Alexander said, "Certainly, we do not want these devices to interfere with instruction or with the safe operation of the school. However, students will be permitted to have a cell phone on campus after school hours provided it is not used for distasteful or disruptive purposes as defined by the school administration."
Currently, cell phones are confiscated from students found with them at school.
The proposed DeSoto change would make the district's policy similar to the Shelby County Schools policy.
Student possession of a cell phone is prohibited in Memphis City Schools. Possession could be grounds for a home suspension.
Memphis board member Deni Hirsh in early June proposed a relaxation of the city rule but discussion was delayed. The issue may come back up later this year.
- Jimmie Covington: (901) 333-2010
Source: Commercial Appeal, The
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