Alamance-Burlington School System officials are looking for ways to restrict student cell phone use in class as North Carolina considers a statewide ban.
At a school board meeting on Tuesday, board members discussed a proposed contract with Yondr, a company that creates lockable pouches for students to put their phones away, but keep them on their person.
As they leave school, they can open the pouches at a designated unlocking base. It’s a system that’s been used by other school districts, and even musicians who want their audience to be present at concerts.
Superintendent Aaron Fleming says he’s heard positive reviews from school officials in other counties.
“I do know students are anxious to get their phone open as they leave the building," Fleming said. "So again, we're not necessarily fixing the phone addiction when they're outside school, but I think we are bringing some instructional time back while they are in school.”
But some board members had concerns about enforcement, and the program’s cost — $215,000 just at the high school level.
"I'm not saying that there is not a problem with cell phones within the classroom, because there is. And I have children, so I know," said Board Member Tameka Harvey. "But I do think that you know ... if we spend the $215,000 and no one enforces that they use the Yondr bag, then we're back in the beginning. We've not accomplished anything."
A district-wide survey found that while most staff members see no benefits to phones in school, 65% of families say they’re important for students to get in contact with their parents or guardians. Still, the vast majority of respondents said they agree cell phones are distracting and reduce engagement in class.
Board Chair Sandy Ellington-Graves said the survey results make it clear that the board needs to change something.
"We've got a cell phone policy that is not serving the purpose, I think, that it's intended," she said. "So at least we're having those conversations, which I think is a start in the right direction in trying to be proactive."
No action was taken on the proposal, and some board members said they’d like to hear more feedback from principals, teachers and staff before making a decision.
Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.