Duxbury School Committee Weighs Cell Phone Ban, Faces Potential Loss of Federal Funding

Concerns over cheating and distractions prompt discussion of stricter phone policies, while changes in census data put Title I funding at risk

DUXBURY, MA - May 1 - The Duxbury School Committee is considering implementing a stricter policy on cell phone use in schools, citing concerns about cheating, distractions, and social impacts. The discussion took place during the committee's May 1 meeting, where members and students expressed support for prohibiting phones during class time.

Current policy at Duxbury High School allows phones during passing time and lunch, but prohibits their use in classrooms unless explicitly permitted by teachers for educational purposes. However, committee members and students reported inconsistent enforcement and widespread issues with phone use.

Michael O'Malley, a senior student representative, described the extent of the problem: "It's like actually kind of crazy, especially like this year. But it's funny how it's like the policy is with lunches and passing time because I'd say honestly, the only time people aren't on them is lunch and passing time."

O'Malley reported witnessing "probably the most cheating I've ever seen in high school," with students using phones to take pictures of tests and share them. He also described the disruptive nature of phone use in class, saying, "It's also just very so rude like in classrooms like I watch is like the teachers teaching and kids out of have air pods and listen to music or they're just like playing like classic plans on their phone."

Committee members expressed support for a more restrictive policy. Superintendent Danielle Klingaman stated, "I just feel strongly that if now is the time that if we're gonna have policies we need to follow them."

The committee discussed the need for consistent enforcement and the possibility of requiring phones to be placed in pouches or lockers during the school day. They also considered researching policies in other districts, such as Whitman-Hanson, which reportedly has a successful phone management system.

In addition to the cell phone discussion, the committee learned that Duxbury Public Schools may lose $83,000 in Title I funding next year due to changes in census data. This potential loss could impact math support programs for over 250 elementary students.

Klingaman explained the situation: "We're always on the line of whether or not we would be an eligible Title I district or not, because many school districts don't receive any Title I funding."

The district currently uses Title I funds to employ six math tutors, three each at Chandler and Alden elementary schools. These tutors have provided support and intervention to 131 students at Chandler and 128 students at Alden this year.

Committee members expressed concern about the potential loss of funding and discussed the need to consider incorporating these positions into the regular operating budget in the future.