By 1808Delaware
The Big Walnut Schools Board of Education met a few days ago to discuss a number of matters relating to operations. Two primary topics reviewed centered on transportation and student use of cell phones.
Revamping School Transportation for Better Accessibility
At its July meeting, the Big Walnut Schools Board of Education heard an update from Superintendent Ryan McLane on transportation changes, highlighted by the district’s efforts to ensure students have reliable access to school. The district has faced challenges with transportation zones and driver shortages, but recent developments offer a glimmer of hope.
Director Departure and New Recruitment Efforts
The district’s Director of Administrative Services, Tim Wagner, will be stepping down for a promotion opportunity in another district. Wagner’s departure prompted a reevaluation of the transportation system, particularly concerning non-transportation zones.
Superintendent McLane announced that efforts to recruit new drivers have seen some success. With a combination of advertisements and community engagement, including assistance from Mrs. Nicks and local businesses, six individuals have shown interest in becoming van drivers. Four are expected to be fully trained and ready by October, which would significantly improve the district’s ability to reinstate busing in non-transportation zones.
“We are optimistic that by the start of the school year, we will have made significant progress in reducing these non-transportation zones,” McLane stated. He emphasized that while immediate solutions might not be feasible by the first day of school, the district is on track to improve services by October.
Technology Policies: A New Direction for Device Usage
The board’s discussion on technology policies, specifically regarding cell phone usage, took center stage. With distractions from mobile devices becoming a growing concern, the board debated two primary options for managing electronic devices in schools.
Option A: Complete Ban
- Students are not permitted to use personal cell phones, tablets, laptops, SmartWatches, or any other electronic devices in school and classrooms.
- Exceptions are made for accommodations listed in students’ IEPs or 504 plans, or for monitoring health issues.
Option B: Instructional Period Ban
- Students are not permitted to use personal cell phones, tablets, laptops, SmartWatches, or any other electronic devices during instructional periods only.
- Exceptions are the same as in Option A.
Community and Board Member Views
Board member Mr. Crowl expressed concerns about the practicality and enforcement of a complete ban. “If it’s conditional where they can use it in the cafeteria where they’re not talking to each other but they’re on their phones, is that going to be something that we’re going to expect the cafeteria workers to supervise? How’s it going to be implemented?” Crowl asked.
Superintendent McLane shared his personal experience, having recently decided to limit his own cell phone usage to improve focus and productivity. “Living it for the past six weeks, I understand the value of a complete break from cell phones during school hours,” McLane said, supporting Option A.
Board member Mrs. Nicks highlighted research indicating that cell phones significantly distract students from learning. This point was further emphasized by a teacher who had resigned, citing the inability to control cell phone usage in the classroom as a major reason for their departure.
Decision and Implementation
After thorough discussion, the board opted for Option A, implementing a complete ban on cell phone usage during school hours. This decision aligns with the district’s commitment to minimizing distractions and enhancing the educational environment.
The board acknowledged the importance of maintaining open communication lines between students and parents. It was noted that students needing to contact their parents could still do so through the school office.
Image by Gary Cassel from Pixabay
