BY DON SCHELSKE
Clarkston News Staff Writer
The elimination of a state law banning student use of cellular telephones has led the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education to draft their own policy.
‘Provided the device is turned off, stored away and out of sight during school hours or at school-related activities, a student may possess a cellular telephone or other electronic communication device,? the policy begins.
Use of such devices is also prohibited on school vehicles and in school locker rooms, according to the proposed policy.
A 1988 state law had banned use of cell phones and pagers on school property, based on concerns that some students used the devices in connection with drug deals. State lawmakers acted last year to reverse the ban, however, in response to those who believe the devices enhance student safety.
The proposed local policy appears to be similar in application to the former state law.
‘We can have it with us, but it has to be off in the school,? Clarkston High School student Nicole Smith said. She carries a cell phone, ‘just for emergencies, in case my mom needs to call me or if I have to take my sister home.?
Student Brandon Harris said the policy is too strict.
‘If it’s on, you get it taken away. I hate it,? he said. ‘I understand you can’t have it in class, but if you just have it in the hall in your hand, they have no reason to take it away from you.?
‘I think [the policy is] good, because it’s not a distraction or anything,? student Stephanie Shoulders said. ‘As long as we still have it so we can use it during emergencies, I think it’s fine.?
Nick Jidas is a student who admits his cell phone is not just for emergencies.
‘It’s so we can have contact and talk to friends,? Jidas said.
Shoulders also said talking on the phone can be done discreetly.
‘People talk on the phone during classes if they have an incoming call or something, and it’s not a distraction,? she said.
The proposed policy gives building administrators the authority to grant exceptions to the policy, and an accompanying list of ‘administrative guidelines? includes more detailed descriptions of prohibited uses, including use of the photo feature on some cell phones while in locker rooms.
‘Possession of a cellular telephone or other ECD by a student is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege,? the proposed policy concludes.
The new policy received first reading on Monday, Feb. 9, as did first readings on revisions of policies concerning weapons possession and diplomas for war veterans.
To comply with current state law, the board proposes to amend the weapons policy to list exceptions to the ban for parents who are properly licensed to carry a concealed weapon and are in a vehicle while dropping off or picking up students, a law enforcement officer while on duty on school property and retired law enforcement officers who are licensed to carry a concealed weapon.
The board already has a policy allowing for the granting of a high school diploma to those who left school to fight in World War II. A recent amendment to state law led to the amendment to include Korean War veterans in the same policy.
The school board’s policy committee makes recommendations for all new and revised policies, which must pass both first and second readings to allow for public feedback. Second reading of the three policies is scheduled for the March 8 school board meeting.