Should Akron schools crack down on student cellphone use? Here's how to share your ideas

Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read

Administrators and school board members of Akron Public Schools are looking for solutions to the distraction and, sometimes, violence stemming from student cellphone use.

Board President Derrick Hall said this week he will be adding a discussion about cellphones to the board's Feb. 13 agenda.

Hall said nearly every teacher he's spoken to cites cellphones as a distraction or the cause of conflict between students and teachers.

Additionally, a Beacon Journal analysis of 240 school-based police reports and thousands of student disciplinary records from the first half of this school year highlighted the role of cellphones and social media in contributing to violence in schools, through threats and other behavioral issues.

Akron school safety:We examined 240 police reports on incidents at Akron Public Schools. Here's what we found

Current policy states students can have their phones on them, but they must be turned off and put away except for before and after school and during lunch periods.

Here's how you can share your thoughts on student cellphone use in school with APS leaders:

Send an email to Akron Public Schools to share your thoughts on student cellphone use

Those who wish to give input on the issue can send emails to the board or the superintendent ahead of the Feb. 13 meeting.

The mailing address is 10 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308.

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Speak during the school board's public comment section

Any person or group wishing to address the board needs to register their intent by signing up at the meeting location prior to the meeting being called to order. Send your notice via US mail to: CFO/Treasurer, Akron Public Schools, 10 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308, or via email at addresstheboard@apslearns.org.

You can also register to speak at https://www.akronschools.com/district/board_of_education/address_the_board

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The following must be provided to address the board:

  • Name and address of the participant.

  • Group affiliation (if applicable).

  • Topic to be addressed.

Citing the "urgency" of the problems cellphones cause in Akron Public Schools, the school board and the administration are looking for solutions.
Citing the "urgency" of the problems cellphones cause in Akron Public Schools, the school board and the administration are looking for solutions.

Attend or watch the Akron school board's policy committee discussion about the district's cellphone policy

The policy committee is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 in the board office, 10 N. Main St. Committee meetings are open to the public but do not allot time for public comment.

Committee meetings also are streamed live on the district's YouTube page.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Public Schools to review student phone policy. Share your ideas