Dist. 214 adopts new phone policy

Finding it impossible to enforce a complete "no cell phone" policy, District 214's loosened their rules to allow them in hallways and around school grounds.

"You could spend eight hours a day enforcing the current rule," Superintendent David Schuler said. "The new policy is much more doable and allows us to catch up with the technology of the times."

The old rule prohibited students from using cell phones at all, except in an emergency. Students' phones had to be turned off and out of sight during the school day.

The new rule allows students to use them at times outside the classroom. It only prohibits students from using cell phones "in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others."

Cell phones are still prohibited from being used in locker rooms or bathrooms, according to District 214 memo.

The Northwest Suburban High School District 214 school board unanimously approved the change at Thursday's school board meeting. It was one of several revisions the board made to the district's policy manual.