|Photo by Joselyn King| Ohio County School Superintendent Kim Miller, right, gives an update on what is happening in the school district as Board President David Croft, left, listens.
WHEELING – The Ohio County Board of Education has approved a policy prohibiting Wheeling Park High School students from using cell phones during class.
School board members unanimously approved the new rules, which allow students to carry and use their cell phones at the beginning of the day, between classes, during lunch and after school. However, they are not allowed to carry their cell phones during class and must keep them in holders in classrooms that the school district has already ordered.
The use of cell phones by middle and elementary students during the school day is not permitted, according to policy.
Violations of the rules will result in confiscation of the phone. More detailed penalties are listed in the student handbooks at each school.
The new regulations come into force at the beginning of the school year.
Superintendent Kim Miller noted that while school officials have received some negative feedback from the public regarding this measure, most comments have been positive.
“We’ve talked to our principals — from elementary school to high school,” she said. “We’re trying to help our kids… We’re trying to teach them self-discipline and respect for teachers so they can teach from start to finish.”
“We are ready to move forward with this policy because we believe it is a simple thing to do in the best interest of our children. It will just take a little time.”
Other counties in the state implemented similar measures, “so it’s not crazy,” she added.
“We simply believe this is the best way to teach our students,” Miller continued.
Board member Andy Garber said several community members approached him and told him that cell phone policies in schools were a good idea.
“Many parents believe that cell phones become a major distraction,” he said. “Especially among middle and elementary school students, they can be misused.”
“I think it’s beneficial for children in this age group not to have access to their cell phones all day.”
Miller began Monday’s meeting by noting that Monday was the first official day of classes for teachers and that students would begin on Friday.
“It’s a very, very exciting time of year. It’s almost like Christmas,” she said. “Our teachers, our school administration and our teachers have worked very hard to prepare for the big day on Friday – as have our service staff.”
“Our buildings are clean and tidy. Our buses are ready. Our chefs are ready. So we’re very excited.”
Board members also approved replacing the boiler at Wheeling Island Stadium, which was damaged in this summer’s flooding.
The new Siemens boiler will cost $82,550, and school district officials expect that amount to be covered by flood insurance.
“There is currently no hot water at Wheeling Island Stadium,” said Deputy Superintendent Rick Jones.
Board members also voted to repeal the section of the employee leave policy that allows employees to take one year of unpaid leave and return to work the following year.
Many employees take advantage of the sabbatical benefit when they finish their education and want to accept a position in other school districts in the event they wish to return to Ohio County Schools.
Because the school district has to hold the position open for her, it is difficult to hire someone for the position because it may be a temporary position, Jones explained.
Susan Nolte, human resources director for Ohio County Schools, said in her experience only one person has returned after a year-long leave.
The Board will next meet on August 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Office, 2203 National Road, Elm Grove.
