By Chris Barber
Contributing Writer

The Kennett Consolidated School District Board unanimously approved guidelines that would prohibit the use of cell phones in the buildings and classrooms in varying degrees by grades.

The district administration, committees of the board, and stakeholders have been studying and discussing the issue since it was introduced in August of 2024. At that time, technology director Dan Maguire and assistant superintendent Michael Barber took the reins of the project and promised to report back with recommendations.

Maguire said they spoke with 998 people, and he and thanked Director of Communications Lisa Palmarini for collating the results.

At their report to the board, Maguire and Barber presented the guidelines that address the use of electronic personal devices at three levels: elementary school, middle school and high school.

First they defined them: “A personal device is any electronic device that is not district-provided, including, but not limited to a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, headphones/earbuds, and laptop.”
They stated their purpose was to “…establish clear expectations for the responsible use of cell phones and personal devices by both students and staff in order to minimize distractions, enhance learning opportunities, and ensure a safe and productive educational environment.”
The guidelines for elementary students, grades K-5: Cell phone use not allowed between arrival and dismissal, including on the school bus.
The guidelines for middle school students, grades 6-8: Cell phone and personal device use in the classroom is strictly prohibited, except in extenuating circumstances requiring communication with a parent or guardian, with explicit authorization from an administrator or classroom teacher.
The guidelines for high school students, grades 9-12, are the following:
~ Classroom use: Cell phone and personal device usage in the classroom is strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the classroom teacher. When allowed, devices must be used solely for educational purposes and as directed by the teacher.

-Non-Classroom Use:
a. Permitted prior to the first bell and after the last bell.
b. Personal devices may be used in the cafeteria, hallways, library or study halls, or during designated free periods, provided they do not disrupt the educational environment.
c. Prohibited Use: Personal devices may not be used in any area where privacy is expected and their use in restrooms, locker rooms, etc. is strictly prohibited.

At the start of the board meeting, Monica Strauser, who served on one of the committees, said she is in favor of the guideline and finds them “balanced and effective.”

Maguire said the guidelines they came up with are headed for the student handbook, but remain to be studied and possibly altered in the future before they are approved as a formal board policy.

“It’s just begun,” he said of the process of formulating a policy.

Board member LaToya Myers said she found some of the wording confusing and she also said that the greater issue than the phones themselves is the students’ response to and attitude toward social media in the greater sense.

Board member Ethan Cramer said he did not want guidelines adopted as policy until they are studied further.

A law signed last July by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro set aside $100 million to be used by schools to purchase secure, lockable smartphone bags for students to hold their mobile devices, according to a report by Fox Rothschild publications.

In other business, Board member and treasurer Mike Finnegan presented the proposed final budget for 2025-26 that totals $107 million. This represents an increase of 4 percent over the 2024-25 budget. Four percent is the maximum increase that is allowed by state’s Act 1 index unless there is a referendum.

The average taxpayer who last year paid $6168 in taxes will see a hike of $246, Finnegan said.

He attributed the increase mainly to the addition of two special education teachers and the loss of some income from the state budget, house assessment appeals and the anticipated approval of a one-percent earned income tax in East Marlborough Township.