BRENHAM ISD CRACKING DOWN ON CELL PHONE USAGE
Brenham ISD is tightening its restrictions on cell phones heading into the new school year.
On Monday, trustees reviewed changes in the student handbook for the 2024-25 academic year, specifically pertaining to the use of personal cell phones.
Summarizing the changes, Chief of Staff Christine Johnson said students will not be able to use a cell phone or other personal telecommunication device, like AirPods, at any time in the instructional day, not just in the classroom.
One of the changes in the handbook removes a disclaimer that allowed students to use cell phones if they were being used for approved instructional purposes. The handbook now states that students are still permitted to have their phones for safety purposes, but they must be turned off during the instructional day and during all testing.
The other major adjustment refers to if a student uses a device without authorization during the school day. The handbook states that the device will be confiscated, but now, only a parent, not the student, can pick up the confiscated device from the principal’s office for a $15 fee. If the device is not retrieved, it can be disposed of 30 days after notifying the family.
Johnson said some children will need exceptions from the policy, such as special education students, for accessibility purposes.
Superintendent Clay Gillentine said district administrators have been very supportive of the increased restrictions, at times even offering their own suggestions for how infractions could be used to benefit students that follow the rules.
Board members were generally in favor of the tighter rules. Trustee Kyle Hafner said families need to know that the district will be strict with this, as it is a serious problem. He said he is comfortable with allowing a grace period, but administrators have to be black and white on the issue with everyone.
Board Secretary Kelvin Raven said this will be an uphill battle, calling cell phones an addiction. He asked if employees will be held to the same standard, adding that there could be pushback from students and parents if there is not consistent enforcement. Johnson replied that employees who are in the classroom must be actively engaged with students, but she is willing to have a larger discussion on restrictions for staff.
Trustee Tommie Sullivan said this will be tough starting out and could put added pressure on administrators. He said it can work, but consistency must be a priority, otherwise the district will be “spinning our wheels.”
Trustee Archer Archer said substitute teachers need to be aware of these changes, and Trustee Bonnie Brinkmeyer cautioned that students are savvy and may try to find ways around the rules.
Board President Natalie Lange said if students see that the district is serious about this, it should lead to improved discipline and performance. Board Vice President Jared Krenek believes this is a good first step, and that if it does not work, the district can impose tougher policies if necessary.