School Committee Approves New Cell Phone Policy, Lunch Price Increases

District aims to implement changes before new school year begins

DUXBURY, MA - June 20 - The school committee approved a new cell phone policy for students and voted to increase school lunch prices during their meeting Wednesday.

The committee discussed and approved a policy that will restrict cell phone use in classrooms district-wide. Under the new rules, students will be required to turn off their phones and place them in designated caddies when entering classrooms.

"The policy becomes the bad guy. I think that's the good news," said committee member Matt Gambino.

The high school policy states that "all personal phone / smart device usage is strictly prohibited during time in the classroom and while you're out on hall pass during class time." Students can use devices between class periods and during lunch in the cafeteria.

"I think that there's been some pervasive cheating going on, and we have, for the most part, really compliant kids that do the right thing," said Dr. Klingerman. "And when you study really hard for a test, and you know that there's people in your class cheating, it doesn't matter if you're at Duxbury Public Schools or you're in college, it's really frustrating."

The committee is considering implementing a similar policy for the middle school, pending feedback from the principal. Currently, middle school students are expected to keep phones in lockers, but some members expressed concerns about enforcement.

"I think if we can do it at the middle and high school level, maybe, and somehow fund it through the district that we purchase the same containers for every classroom, I think the community has spoken," said committee member Katie Cleary.

The committee plans to hold a second reading and final vote on the policy via Zoom on June 27, aiming to implement it before the new school year begins.

In other business, the committee voted to approve a phased increase in school lunch prices over the next three years. The increase aims to align prices with federal reimbursement rates and address rising food costs.

Lisa, a district representative, explained that the current average meal price of $2.72 falls "significantly below" the current reimbursement rate of $3.56. Food costs have risen by over 13% in the past four years.

The price increases will only affect a la carte items, second meals, and adult meals. The universal free meals program, which covers one breakfast and one lunch per student, will not be impacted.

Committee members expressed support for the increases but also voiced concerns about meal quality and student feedback.

The committee plans to invite the food services director to present on meal quality and address student feedback at a future meeting.

Both the cell phone policy and lunch price increases are set to be implemented for the upcoming school year, pending final approval.