Cell phone ban confirmed; still available in emergencies

McCOOK, Neb. — Students in McCook are not allowed to use cell phones, and other local schools have proposed similar restrictions. The McCook Public School Board heard from the public Monday night before making a unanimous vote to approve the student discipline policy, which includes revisions to student cell phone usage during the school day. 

The new policy will require students to either leave their cellphones at home or in their car or have them placed in a Faraday bag, which blocks the signal.

One parent said,  “It seems to me like it’s kind of overkill; for me, it makes the most sense that the minimum bring it to school, but when they walk in the classroom, it goes in a pouch by the door.”

In response to a parent’s question about the obligation to purchase a faraway container, Superintendent Grant Norgaard said, “I’ve talked with the high school administration, and it looks like we have decided to hand one out to the students in this inaugural year.”

Another parent suggested that the students just put their phones on mute rather than blocking the signal. Parents were also present in support of the new policy. 

Norgaard started the Cell Phone Policy discussion by saying, “I want to reiterate that when we did the surveys of staff and parents, those surveys came very strongly in favor of eliminating cell phones from the school building. One of the reasons that we went with the Faraday bags was that we did receive some concern that their students wouldn’t have access to their phones in the case of an emergency.” 

The board members acknowledged that the majority of the public comments they received were in favor of the policy. Board member Mike Langan agreed with an earlier parnet comment and said, “The teachers and administration are going to have to lead by example.

Other Topics covered:

• Upon the recommendation of the activities committee, Bowling will be a newly offered activity at McCook High School. 

• Mr. Greg Borland with the McCook Elementry shared that the new playground is up and came in $8,000 under budget. 

• Summer school and the summer lunch program are underway, and over 6,000 meals have been served to children aged 1 to 18. 

• Business Manager Jeff Gross updated the board on projects in the schools being completed by the janitorial staff and maintenance. Painting, cleaning, replacing carpets in some classrooms, and HVAC repairs are keeping the staff busy this summer. 

• The board was also updated on the bond project. W-Design has completed the new plans, and Sampson Construction will provide new cost estimates by the end of the month. 

• The Board accepted a donation from MNB Bank Bison Debit Cards. for $1,222.70.

• The school board will meet on Tuesday evening, June 11, for a retreat. No official board action will be taken; however, the retreat is open to the public.