During an August 1 meeting, the Henry County School Board discussed reforming its cellphone policy – following discussions about mental health and cellphone usage, a push for the Kids Online Safety Act to pass, and an executive order by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
The board has been discussing additional cell phone restrictions during instruction times. “It relates to a larger scale of mental health with students,” Schools Superintendent Dr. Amy Blake-Lewis said. “A draft guidance will be issued by the Virginia Department of Education by August 15, and that will be for us to review at that time and give additional feedback.”
The final guidance is expected from the state on September 16.
“We will be able to take that final guidance and cross that with what we currently have in place for our cell phone policy to ensure that it is in compliance,” Blake-Lewis said. She told the board that it would need to make changes to the existing policy to be in line with the new policy.
Blake-Lewis said there is “surprising support” to eliminate cell phones from instructional hours.
“Our current policy largely already covers most of this,” said board chairman Teddy Martin II.
“Our policy does eliminate cell phone use during instructional time, but our students are still permitted to use the phones in transition, at lunch, and before and after school,” said Blake-Lewis, noting the new policy could include a ban on cell phones during currently permitted times.
“The governor’s intent is to focus on the larger scope of mental health of students,” said Blake-Lewis. According to research, having a cell phone can negatively impact the mental health of students.
In other matters, the board:
*Heard and approved a request for direct services through Allied Instructional Services.
“Direct services for students with visual impairments from a Teacher of Visually Impaired and orientation, TVI, and mobility services, O & M, are required by law to ensure consistent service delivery in compliance with Individualized Education Plans,” Emily Taylor, director of special education and related services, said.
The fiscal impact of the program will be $150,000 from the FY25 budget, she said, and funds would be used to help fill the current vacancy for the upcoming school year.
*Heard that installation of playground at Stanleytown Elementary School has begun, and the maintenance crew has been working to get the facilities ready for students.
* Dr. Benjamin Boone, assistant superintendent, said he anticipates the school division will “hopefully” have 10 new school bus drivers employed.
*Recognized Marci Lexa for the HCPS’s Virginia School Boards Association 2024 Food for Thought Award.
*Recognized outgoing student school board member Lakyn Cochran.
*Recognized incoming student school board member Bryson Bateman.
*Recognized students from the Virginia FFA State Convention.
*Recognized students for baseball, tennis, all district girl’s track, all district boys track.
*Recognized Kevin Underwood, who was selected as the Boy’s Field and Track Coach of the Year.
