Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
MONTGOMERY CO- The Montgomery County School Board voted to approve the new cell phone use policy for Montgomery County schools at its July 18, 20204 meeting.
The cell phone use policy was approved with editing of the language pertaining to individuals with medical conditions who may need cellular devices and clarification where the cell phone use policy states “they [cell phones] must be turned off and stored out of sight during the instructional day unless a staff member gives express permission for educational purposes or in case of emergency.”
“I have no problem with ‘in case of emergency,’” said Vice-Chair Jamie Bond, “but I do think that’s kind of where we got into that gray margin in years past, because we were being allowed to use it for educational purposes and all students have Chromebooks. So, that’s my only issue with that right there. I kind of think that’s murky waters and if we’re going to do it, we need to do it.”
The board members agreed they want this language to be consistent throughout the policy. The policy was approved with the intention that these edits will be applied and to become both the new cell phone policy and part of the code of conduct.
The school board also voted to authorize the superintendent’s hiring, appointment and reappointment of employees beginning June 18, 2024 and ending July 30, 2024 for the upcoming school year, while the school board is on break for the summer. The board will review and approve any appointments that occur during their break period at their July 30, 2024 meeting.
