Wake school board gives timeline for when new cell phone policy would be implemented

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Wake County School Board is working toward updating its districtwide cell phone policy after two decades. A consulting firm has been brought in to analyze what works best in other parts of the country.

"This is, admittingly, a challenging topic," said RTI Consulting educational consultant Mike Martin. "The core thing we're driving at is student well-being and learning, and those things are tied together."

Wake is looking to revise the policy next academic year and then implement it for the 2026-2027 school year.

"The most popular topic is mobile phones, but we're going to be looking at all technology," said Wake County School Board Chair Chris Heagarty.

Board members broke up into groups Tuesday afternoon to brainstorm ideas.

Right now, it's up to each school to come up with its policy and they differ across Wake County.

At Raleigh's Enloe High School, according to the handbook, teachers use a pie chart to let students know when devices must be on silent and out of sight. There are also times when policy states students can use their phones if the device doesn't interrupt learning.

At Garner Magnet High School, the policy states, "No student may use a personal technology device during the instructional day except when authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes in the classroom."

WCPSS says part of the goal is changing the behavior of students.

Some parents say that will be a huge obstacle.

"Cell phones in general are an issue for kids. I think they're an issue for adults," said Cary parent Dottie Skinner.

Another Cary parent has changed her stance on phones in schools.

"Are way too much in touch with our kids all throughout the day, and that's just as distracting," said Cary parent Lea Ann Troiano.

Troiana said that for years, she was a big supporter of her children having phones in the classrooms so she could keep up with them.

"How did you do on that test? Are you prepared for the test? What are you doing after school? You know, is everything ok?" Troiana said. "We're constantly in communication."

Her children are a bit older now, and her position has changed.

"Parents have become very used to texting their kids all day long, and I think it's a huge distraction," Troiana said.

There have been states that banned phones in schools. Only time will tell whether Wake County takes up any similar policies.

One thing was for certain -- no decisions were made Tuesday.

"The core thing we're driving at is student well-being and learning -- and those things are tied together," Martin said.

The work session began at 3:30 p.m., and the board of education meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.