No changes to the Jackson County School System’s mobile device policy after the School Board reviewed the policy Thursday night.
New Tennessee law prohibits students from using cell phones during instructional time. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said although some districts have decided to adopt a locking phone case with their policies, it was not needed in Jackson County.
“We did have this discussion at our principal’s meeting,” Hardy said. “And they thought that following that policy, getting communication to our families that this is a law, this is not just, you know, something school is coming up with. And we’ve got to make sure that we’re ensuring and protecting that instructional time.”
Hardy said the situation will be monitored throughout the school year, and changes will be made as needed. Although there is no locking device for students phones, devices are expected to remain off and out of sight during the school day.
Hardy said the board did discuss purchasing locking cases to due their due diligence, but decided there was enough faculty and family support for not going that route.
Hardy said as a parent himself, he sees the value of being able to message his kids whenever it is needed. He said that was the consensus in feedback from families.
“I think it was pretty evident that families want that comfort of at least having the phone there,” Hardy said. “But, they also agreed that they think the distraction of the phone is really holding them back in instruction. We’ve had very positive interactions with families on this, and I think if they all get on board, it’ll be a success.”
Hardy said the school system has measures in place to block distracting sites and apps in the event cell phones are in use.
“We have filters in place, and you know, just to be honest with you, kids find ways,” Hardy said. “Quicker than we can. But they’ve also changed the law, which we’ve been trying to filter for. But you can’t have any social media in schools. Again, we’ll have it filtered.”
Other members of the board confirmed the filters’ effectiveness, as they are unable to access Facebook on school WiFi.
Hardy said communication is the biggest part of enforcing the new laws. Hardy said although the policy is unchanged, the communication between the school system and families about the policy will be clear and consistent.
In other business, the Jackson County School Board approved the budget for the school nutrition program for next year. Increases came primarily in salary benefits, as well as rising food costs.
The Board approved new policies prohibiting solicitation of student records by fax, criteria for family and medical leave eligibility, and proof of compliance for time release courses. Jackson County currently does not offer any such courses, but state law required the policy be adopted.
The board approved the coaches list and substitute list, which will likely grow throughout the school year.