Savannah-Chatham Public School Board members don’t mind iPads, laptops and e-Readers in schools but they’re not so certain about smartphones.
During a special called meeting Wednesday the board chose not to vote on a proposal to lift the five-year cellphone and electronics ban. Instead of approving policies that would make it legal for students to bring their own cellphones, iPads and other technology to school, they delayed the vote until their July 11 meeting and asked for details on how schools will regulate the use of smartphones.
“The cellphone issue was the hang up,” said Superintendent Thomas Lockamy. “IPhones can do the same things as iPads and Kindles and other reading devices and we need to make sure we can regulate them so that they’re not used inappropriately.”
While the board agreed that they need to change their policies to allow students to use technology for academic purposes, some aren’t sure how smartphones fit into those plans, or how the rules will be enforced. They wanted details on rules for confiscating and searching cellphones and possible legal challenges. They had questions about equity and what happens if some students can’t afford technology that is being used as part of instruction. Others wanted to know how the policy can realistically be enforced if each school is allowed to develop their own rules.
“I have real problems with this. I think it is difficult to police,” said board member Lori Brady. “If we’re talking about an iPad or a laptop, that’s one thing. But the cellphone is going to be difficult… Most kids are going to use a cellphone to send text messages, take pictures and talk.”
Savannah-Chatham Public Schools officials started enforcing a zero tolerance for phones and electronic devices after a rash of bomb threats in 2007. But the ban created a conflict as new academic technology was developed. Many principals implemented don't ask/don't tell policies and turned their heads when students brought phones and other electronic equipment for use in class. When students started texting, taking pictures and making calls it was often overlooked, but sometimes there were problems. In 2011, 300 students were referred for disciplinary action because of incidents relating to electronics and cellphones devices. In 2012 the number of incidents was 169.
“I believe the children attending our schools can be responsible and their phones can be used as instructional tools in class and group discussion,” Lockamy said. “…When the relationship between teachers and students is correct there will not be problems. But when you’re looking for trouble you’ll find it.”
In other business
The board voted unanimously to adopt a $455.9 million budget for fiscal year 2013 and left the millage rate for determining school property taxes unchanged at 14.631 mills.
As promised the budget cuts fifth-grade band programs but preserves International Baccalaureate in elementary and middle grades, extends the pre-kindergarten school year to 190 days and bumps pre-K teachers up to the regular public school teacher pay scale. There will be no furlough days or privatization of cafeteria and custodial jobs and teachers will receive step increases with benefits.