D86 Digest: Student Cell Phone Use Debated

Principal Michael McGrory updated the Hinsdale Township High School District 86 School Board Monday on the new policy at the school that allows students to use electronic devices, such as cell phones, during non-instructional time, including in hallways between classes and in the cafeteria.

McGrory emphasized that the change also covered the use of devices like iPads and tablets.

He said the intent of the change was to protect instructional time.

“When we looked at this, that was our priority,” he said. “When we made this change, we also increased the consequence for violating our electronic device policy in the classroom.”

Teachers also can allow students to use electronic devices in the classroom for instructional purposes.

“It’s really a computer for the kids in the classroom,” McGrory said, noting the continuing evolution of hand-held devices.

Board member Dianne Barrett said she was shocked to learn of the policy change, expressing the view that the board should have had some say in it.

“I think at some point we should put this back on the agenda for discussion of the negatives and plusses for each side,” she said.

Barrett wondered if all students had access to the devices in question.

“Does everybody have the same opportunity in the classroom?” Barrett asked. “Does everybody have a computer, or is it the haves and have-nots?”

Barrett appeared to be suggesting that the policy might be putting some students at Hinsdale South, which has a higher percentage of low-income students than Hinsdale Central, at a disadvantage.

Hinsdale South has not adopted the same policy as Central.

“The two schools are autonomous,” board member Kay Gallo argued. “They have different needs, different wants.”

Gallo noted that until the board acted recently to correct the inequality, Central actually had fewer computers per student than South. She added that students have access to tablets at both schools.

“We have had some preliminary conversations at the administrative level,” concerning cell phone use at South, Hinsdale South Principal Brian Waterman said. “Our next step is to talk with our staff and talk with our students and see what their thoughts and ideas are.”

Camera and tripod donation accepted

The board voted unanimously to accept the donation of a camera and tripod from the Hinsdale Central PTO. They will be used to stream board meetings online.

PTAB resolution approved

The board unanimously approved a resolution concerning interventions by the district in tax assessment appeals that go before the state Property Tax Appeal Board involving commercial properties. The resolution, authored by board member Dr. Richard Skoda, changes district policy from intervening in all cases involving appeals seeking to reduce assessed valuation by $100,000 or more to examining such appeals on a case-by-case basis to determine if district intervention was warranted.