SPECIAL REPORT
citizenship among our students,” he said. When asked how the ban has affected student behav-
ior and focus during school hours, Adams noted that it’s too early to provide comprehensive feedback. “It was just enacted this school year, so we’ll have to wait and see,” he said, adding that the policy’s long-term impact will likely be monitored over the course of the academic year. But Adams confirmed the ban
applies to school buses. The state’s guidance issued last month re- quires school system to establish procedures for off-site events and activities, including transportation. “Buses are considered an exten-
guardians, multi-disciplinary team members, including Section 504 teams and Individualized Education Program teams, or other persons with knowledge of students who require access to personally owned devices as an accom- modation shall request such accommodations through their respective teams,” Adams said.
When discussing potential safety
Should students’ cell phones be banned on school buses?
58% Yes 42% No
sion of the school, so the policy can be enforced there as well if they become an issue, but the policy is really designed to focus on instruc- tional time,” he explained. Regarding any exceptions to the policy, Adams as-
Through 9/19/24 at
stnonline.com/go/kg (Out of 211 responses)
concerns related to students not having access to their phones on school buses, Adams emphasized, “LCPS has a robust and nationally recognized safety plan in place to keep students and staff safe.” Adams also acknowledged the poten-
tial need to adjust the policy. “We will monitor the situation as the school year progresses and can always make adjust- ments if needed,” he said, when asked about the trade-off between reduced distractions and potential safety con- cerns related to lack of cell phone access.
sured that students with valid medical or educational needs would not be denied access to their devices. “This policy will not deny students with a valid ac- commodation access to their personal devices. Parents,
Adams noted community feedback to the ban has been largely positive. “The new policy has been very well received, and even students have recognized they have better conversations in class with their peers and teach- ers when the phones are away,” he concluded.
34 School Transportation News • OCTOBER 2024
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