Cell Phone Policy Decision Pushed to January by Bristol Virginia School Board
BRISTOL, Va. – In a move that’s bound to impact students and parents alike, the Bristol Virginia School Board announced during a meeting on Monday that they will delay finalizing their cell phone policy until January. Superintendent David Scott made the announcement, citing the need for new board members to weigh in on the issue.
What’s the Delay About?
The board was initially expecting to approve the new policy to align with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s recent executive order mandating all public schools in Virginia to adopt policies encouraging a “cell phone-free education” by January 1. However, the board feels it’s important to incorporate fresh perspectives from the two new members who will officially join the team in January.
Superintendent Scott explained that one of the newly-elected members, Joshua Slagle, campaigned on the issue, making it even more important to allow him a seat at the table when the policy is officially shaped. The next board meeting is scheduled for January 13, during which Slagle and another newcomer, Bill Hartley, will be sworn into office. Exciting changes are on the horizon for the board, including a reorganization meeting where the members will name a chair and vice chair.
What’s the Current Cell Phone Policy?
So, what does the draft policy look like right now? The current rules suggest that cell phones for elementary students should be a no-go, while middle schoolers won’t be able to use their phones during school hours at all. This policy reflects a more restrictive approach, which seems to be a common trend across many schools in Virginia.
Scott mentioned, “The current state of our cell phone regulations aligns with the governor’s directive, but we want to go into more detail about age-appropriate accommodations.” This means they’ll make it official that elementary school students should not have phones, and middle schoolers must keep their devices stored away for the duration of the school day.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Why the focus on reducing cell phone usage? It can be traced back to some troubling trends in academic performance and concerns regarding students’ emotional health. The governor’s order was issued in light of ongoing issues with student engagement and well-being, exacerbated by excessive screen time and the impact of social media.
As part of the new draft policy, students will need to turn off their phones and store them in their backpacks as soon as the bell rings for the first period. Phones must remain out of sight until the school day concludes. Any violations will face a range of disciplinary measures, reinforcing the district’s commitment to an effective learning environment free from distractions.
A Fond Farewell
The meeting also served as a farewell for outgoing board member Frank Goodpasture III, who reflected on his time on the board as an “honor and a privilege.” Well-wishes were also extended to the remaining board members as they approach another busy year. Another notable departure was that of former board member Randy White, who stepped in briefly to fill a vacancy.
Positive Financial News
On a brighter note, the board received a “clean, unmodified” audit report from independent auditors. This showed no financial discrepancies for the year ending June 30, 2024, which is always a great relief. The school division saw its net financial position increase by a whopping $6.2 million, thanks to the completion of the Virginia Intermediate School and other factors related to employee pensions.
As Bristol prepares for what’s sure to be an interesting January, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding education in the city. The newly proposed policies, combined with a fresh set of faces on the board, might just be the change that parents, students, and educators are looking for!
