The Jackson County Board of Education pulled back from the total ban on cell phones at school favored by principals and put into effect a compromise policy.  The policy will allow students to carry or have the devices in their lockers if they’re turned off and allow their use at school with prior approval of the administrator.

None of the Board members seemed totally satisfied with the new policy which spells out specific penalties for infractions.

“It puts the responsibility on the students, and that’s good,” said member Dr. Tom Layne. The move to soften the proposed policy came after the Board listened to a number of parents at a recent meeting.

After six weeks, the Board intends to speak to building principals to see how the policy is working. They will revisit the decision at that time. If infractions are numerous, the policy may become tougher. “I would like to trust the kids to do the right thing,” said member Steve Chancey.

The policy which is in force to begin the school year reads as follows:

“The use and/or display of cellular telephones is prohibited during the school day. These devices may be used with prior approval of the school principal when their use relates to an educational or medical purpose.

When not authorized for use, cellular telephones shall be turned off.

For the purposes of this policy, the school day shall be defined as the time the student arrives on school grounds until the dismissal bell. After school tutorial and disciplinary programs are an extension of the school day for participating students, and the prohibition of cell phones in these activities extends until the conclusion of the program.

Students involved in extracurricular activities after school is dismissed shall have the cell phone set to “silent or vibrate” mode so that the extracurricular activity will not be disrupted. Student use of cell phones during extracurricular activities may be regulated by the coach or group sponsor as needed to prevent disruptions.

Violations of this policy will result in the following penalties:

Elementary Schools:

First offense – The telephone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian following a conference with the student and the parent.

Second offense – The telephone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. The student will be assigned to detention or be subject to the loss of recess time.

Third offense – The telephone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. The student will be suspended from school for one day.

Subsequent offenses: The telephone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. Suspension may be increased and the privilege of possessing a cell phone at school may be revoked.

Middle and High Schools:

First offense: The telephone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. The student will be assigned to one day on in-school suspension or the equivalent number of hours of after-school ALC at the discretion of the principal.

Second offense: The telephone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. The student will be assigned two days of in-school suspension or the equivalent number of hours of after-school ALC at the discretion of the principal.

Third offense: The telephone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. The student will be suspended from school for three days.

Subsequent offenses: The telephone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. Suspension may be increased and the privilege of possessing a cell phone at school may be revoked.

In the event that a cellular telephone is used for an illegal activity, the principal shall report the matter to law enforcement officials. Use of a cellular telephone for purposes of academic dishonesty, recording of altercations, or unethical or immoral activities shall carry additional penalties at the discretion of the principal.

The Board is not responsible for theft, loss, damage to, or vandalism of cellular telephones brought onto its property.

Parents/guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their children during the school day is by calling the school office.