Cell Phone Ban In Westfield Schools: See The Rules

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield Public Schools has formalized a bell-to-bell ban on students' personal internet-enabled devices during the school day under a new Board of Education policy tied to state law.

The Board of Education approved the policy, listed as 5516, at its Tuesday meeting.

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The policy prohibits student use of personal internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the school day in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:36-40b.

The document defines bell-to-bell as the time from the opening bell to dismissal, including passing time and lunch.

It also says district-issued technology and district platforms may still be used for educational purposes.

At a board meeting, Board President Robert Benacchio said the policy needed to move quickly because of the school calendar.

"So typically we would do a second reading on that. We do this in two readings, but because this needs to be approved prior to the start of the school year and we unfortunately only received the policy guidance slightly prior to the school year, we're in a position where we have to get this approved sooner rather than later," said Benacchio.

The first day of school in Westfield is on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Superintendent Dr. Raymond Gonzalez said the policy follows state guidance issued after legislation signed by the governor.

"What that means is during the course of the school day, students would not be permitted to bring in or utilize personal internet-enabled devices."

He said the wording was meant to cover more than cell phones.

"It is not intended to just simply end at cell phones, but it also applies to smart watches, smart glasses or even students' own personal devices if they have access to the internet," said Gonzalez.

The written policy says a device brought to school must remain off and may have to be stored as outlined in Regulation 5516.

It also says the Board assumes no responsibility for the security of or damage to a student's personal internet-enabled device brought onto school grounds.

Teachers are not to incorporate students' personal technology into lesson plans, and classroom instructional time must be free of personal internet-enabled devices.

The policy includes exceptions required by law, including for students with an individualized education program, a 504 Plan, a student health plan, translation services, caregiving needs, emergencies, or when authorized because no reasonable alternative exists.

Parents may request an accommodation in writing to the superintendent or designee, and the policy says a decision must be made within five school days.

Gonzalez said the district plans to watch how the policy works once school begins.

"We're going to monitor to ensure that this is both supportive and productive in its implementation," he said. "And we're looking forward to seeing the impact it has on our schools in the coming year."

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