Mr. Mac Curlee, Principal of Tupelo High School, was approached earlier this year by a large majority of the THS Faculty who requested that the present “use of electronic devices” policy be examined and evaluated. The teachers noted that the use of electronic devices, especially cell phones, was becoming more and more distracting to the educational process. In fact, the teachers even went so far as to state that they felt that this problem had actually become detrimental to the overall quality of instruction on the campus of Tupelo High School. Mr. Curlee stated that the policy in use during the 2006-2007 school year (adopted in 2004) which permitted students to possess, but not to utilize or to display such devices, was no longer effective in dealing with the situation. He noted that problems such as classes being interrupted by the ringing of cell phones, text messaging by students, use of camera phones, etc. was far too prevalent during the past school year. Camera phones also raise questions concerning student and teacher privacy. In addition, experts across the nation report that electronic devices are often involved in episodes of student “bullying,” and Mr. Curlee pointed out that text messaging was especially distracting and troublesome at THS.

 

 

 

Mr. Curlee recommended to the Board that the TPSD return, with certain modifications and revisions, to the version of Policy JICJ that was in use in the district between 2001 and 2004. This policy essentially bans student possession of electronic devices on campus during the school day. 

 

 

Members of the TPSD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to revise existing TPSD Policy JICJ. Student possession of electronic devices on TPSD campuses during the school day will no longer be allowed. The Board noted that its primary concern is to enhance the use of instructional time, to support and to facilitate effective instruction in the classroom, and to ensure that maximum student learning is taking place. It is the Board’s desire to create the most positive and productive educational environment possible on all the campuses of the Tupelo Public School District. After careful consideration and discussion, the TPSD Board of Trustees approved the recommendation to amend TPSD Policy JICJ.