Cell phones to stay on ‘off’ next school year
The 2025-2026 School Code of Conduct was approved Tuesday, which includes a provision that all personal wireless communication devices must be turned off and in a student’s backpack.
The new code, passed by the Lee County School Board without discussion, states that “Students may possess personal wireless communication devices while on school grounds during regular hours. This includes, but is not limited to cell phones, and/or auxiliary/ancillary devices such as watches, earbuds, or smart glasses. At all levels, all personal WCDs must be turned off and in the student’s book bag at all times.”
It further states that they are permitted, when approved, to monitor a health condition that is documented through medical records and indicated as needed in a health plan.
The other business, the school board also approved a short-term incentive to address the critical school bus operator/transportation support needs.
The short-term solution is applicable from Feb. 27, 2025 through Feb. 26, 2026.
The first incentive is to pay the hiring costs associated with becoming a school bus operator/transportation support person at $192.25 per bus operator. This breaks down to the Department of Education physical exam of $74, fingerprinting of $50.25 of CDL license of $68.25. If the individual leaves before the completion of one-year that amount will be deducted from their final paycheck.
Another incentive is waiving the requirement of a high school diploma/equivalent to become a transportation support, which was waived for school bus operator/transportation support in June 2018. With the waiver, the individual can become a transportation support enabling the district to hire a driving candidate first as a substitute transportation support, then as a substitute school bus operator after all criteria are met.
It also includes a $100 incentive for any district employee that refers an applicant that becomes a bus operator and works for 30 school days.