District 186 discusses cell phone ban for students

SPRINGFIELD, Ill (WAND) - A week after DPS61 finalized a plan to ban cell phones in schools across the district, Springfield's District 186 met to discuss their options.

"We've got concerns about the emotional health of the students, there's distractions throughout the day that manifest into poor grades, but then at the core, I think that the biggest problem we've been facing are the behavioral issues," Micah Miller, President of the District 186 Board, said.

The board discussed how they would implement the ban in the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Jennifer Gill, said, "We're not looking to have massive consequences for the first time you have your phone out, we really just want kids to follow the rule and start learn the rule."

Springfield is still trying to determine what the rules would be, leaning towards student putting their phones in their lockers for the duration of the school day or placing them in locked bags that would open at the end of the school day.

The board also talked through whether the rules would be different in middle schools and high schools.

"I'm okay with high schoolers having an opportunity to be able to -- because we all have to as adults. I can't be on my cell phone when I'm in the middle of my workday and the same is true for our young people who are moving into the adult world," said Buffy Lael-Wolf, a District 186 Board Member.

Decatur finalized their plan of having all students lock their phones in their lockers last week.

Superintendent Dr. Rochelle Clark, said, "Unfortunately, the good doesn't always outweigh the bad in this case and so we have to make sure that we're looking at the whole picture, which is why the recommendation was what can we do to make this a win-win."

Both school districts are expected to vote on a plan at their next meeting.