Following the passing of a new Kentucky law forbidding phone use during instructional time, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) students will soon be required to pack up their cellphones during class.
“I believe cellphones are having a detrimental impact on student learning in the classroom,” stated District 3 Representative James Craig.
Sponsored by Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, House Bill 208 mandates that all school systems in the state create policy prohibiting cell phone use, with exceptions for teacher-approved circumstances and emergencies. Approved unanimously in both legislative chambers and signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 26.
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Leaders of JCPS now have a few months to complete their strategy before the legislation becomes operative. Next month, Superintendent Marty Pollio’s staff will show the Jefferson County Board of Education a suggested policy allowing school principals time to get ready for execution.
Although some schools—like Fern Creek High School—have already instituted cellphone bans following protracted negotiations with parents, staff, and students—board members and teachers stress the need of guaranteeing buy-in across the district.
Board member Linda Duncan, said she is worried about parental support and enforcement difficulties, though.
“Are parents willing to stop their kids from carrying cellphones to school?” Duncan wrote to The Courier Journal.
The district wants to strike a mix between consistency in enforcement and community input as JCPS develops its plan so that children, parents, and teachers are included in the dialogue.
This article appears in Mar 28 – Apr 3, 2025.