The current policy regarding the use of cellphones and other electronic devices in the Warren County School System is under revision.

Current policy is designed to accommodate students in grades 9-12. A new policy which has been passed on first reading by Warren County School Board would allow all students in grades pre-K-12 to carry a cellphone to school. 

“Some parents want their child to have a phone at school,” said Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows on the reasoning behind expanding the policy. “We’re seeing it’s a lot more prevalent now in the younger grades.”

The new policy, in short, states students may possess electronic devices at school, but those devices should be out of sight and not in use except in case of emergency or when permission is granted by a teacher or principal.

The new policy also states devices can be confiscated due to improper use and the school system is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices.

Said school system attorney Robin Phillips, “It’s a much smaller policy than our current policy which is several years old. There were a lot of rules and specifics. We don’t have to use that terminology now because people are more familiar. Mike Mansfield is here, and he has graciously agreed to help contact all of the principals to get their input on this. This policy is not just for students in 9-12. It’s for students in general. We know sometimes that parents want their student to have a phone at school for emergencies, for if they are going to another parents’ house, or if they are in sports, etc. We do want, before we open it up, to find out from the principals on how manageable that will be and what they will run into.”

At Monday night’s School Board meeting, Swallows said he had received feedback from about three principals regarding the expanded policy. He said he plans to get input from the remaining principals before the policy is considered for second and final reading at the next School Board meeting.

The monthly School Board meetings for November and December will be combined into one due to the holidays. The next meeting is set for Dec. 7 at Eastside School beginning at 5 p.m.