District 15 rolls out plan to keep cellphones out of sight in the classroom

When students in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 return to school in the fall, their attention will be focused on lessons and not their smartphones.

District officials rolled out a new policy this week requiring students to keep personal electronic devices turned off or silenced and stored in lockers or backpacks during instructional time.

The plan was developed by the district’s 12-member Smartphones at School Committee and will be implemented during the 2025-26 school year.

Under the policy, students cannot carry devices or keep them in desks during class. Exceptions are allowed for devices required as part of a student’s Individualized Education Plan or Section 504 plan.

“Having a smartphone near you in class, even in your pocket, disrupts the educational environment,” district Chief Technology Officer MJ Warden told the school board Tuesday.

The policy aligns with a state law restricting smartphones during class time by 2026-27. The goal is to “keep the human in the learning loop” and prioritize collaboration, discussion, and hands-on activities.

Superintendent Laurie Heinz praised the committee’s work, while recognizing it will be received with a varied response.

“We know it’s going to be tough,” she said. “It will be received like many things, with mixed feelings.”

The policy will be promoted during middle school orientation, student clubs and a poster campaign about healthy use of technology. The district also will conduct community events and parent workshops.