FREDERICKTOWN — Cell phone use during school hours at Fredericktown Local School was banned at Tuesday’s special meeting.
The policy, effective for the 2024-25 school year, was introduced at June’s special board of education meeting, in a quest to enhance student engagement and academic focus.
The cell phone policy applies to all students on school property during school hours.
● Grades 6 to 12: Students are prohibited from using cell phones between 7:45 a.m. and
2:45 p.m.
● Grades K-5: Students are prohibited from using cell phones between 8:45 a.m. and 3:45
p.m.
According to the policy, if cell phones are brought to school, they must remain in student backpacks or school-assigned lockers and be turned off during the school day.
The policy also states school telephones will be available for emergency use by students.
Students are responsible for all content on their cell phones, including social media, pictures, text messages and videos. Inappropriate material found on cell phones may be referred to local law enforcement.
The policy was drafted from the Ohio Dept. of Education & Workforce model cell phone policy, Fredericktown superintendent Gary Chapman said.
A survey asking teachers and staff if cell phones should be banned during school hours was released at May’s board of education meeting. Around 43% of respondents said they should be banned.
Board member Nathan Bellman said the cell phone policy is what’s best for the kids at the end of the day.
What are other districts cell phone policies?
Danville Local Schools unanimously passed a cell phone ban for students in May’s board of education meeting. The policy will go into effect this school year.
Mount Vernon City Schools is currently creating a district-wide cell phone policy, first discussed at June’s board of education meeting.
School districts are required to have a cell phone policy after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 250.
Bus Garage Expansion
Design and engineer firm Fanning Howey project executive David Obrynba presented a detailed explainer on the potential bus garage expansion.
The bus garage, located at 1209 South Main St., is in need of expansion due to only having one busy bay, among other needed repairs, superintendent Gary Chapman said.
Approximately 945 sqare feet will be added to the west side, expanding the restroom and creating a second maintenance bay.
Renovations are planned for the roof along with heating and electrical upgrades, Obrynba said.
In total, the project is budgeted for $734,103, Obrynba said, adding it’s a relatively simple project from a construction standpoint.
Treasure Heather Darnold said there’s $1 million saved for the project.