Latest news with #FultonCountySchoolBoard
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Fulton County leaders considering banning cell phones, smart devices in schools
The Brief The Fulton County School Board is considering a new proposal that would ban cell phones and smartwatches when students come back to class after summer vacation. Students in grades K-9 would not be allowed to use personal electronics during the school day. High school students would have to put their phones up during instructional time, but would be allowed to carry their devices at other points in the day. Officials say the proposed change would align with Georgia's recently-passed Distraction-Free Education Act. FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Fulton County Schools could ban smart devices like cell phones and smartwatches when students come back to class after summer vacation. The new potential policy change was brought up at a board meeting on Monday. What we know If enacted, the policy change would prohibit the use of personal electronic devices for students in grades K-9 during the school day. High school students would have to put their phones up during instructional time, but would be allowed to carry their devices at other points in the day. Students would also be discouraged from using electronic devices on the school bus, with inappropriate use possibly resulting in disciplinary action. There would be exceptions to the rule for students that have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Section 504 plan, or medical plan that explicitly mandates the use of a personal electronic device for medical or educational purposes. The electronic devices that would be affected by the policy change include personal laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, smart glasses, headphones, and other devices that can send messages or allow access to social media. To assuage parents' fears over situations that involve contacting their children, the policy would require schools to "establish clear communication protocols that require parents or guardians who need to communicate with their student during the school day to contact the school directly." Dig deeper Officials say the proposed change would align with Georgia's recently-passed Distraction-Free Education Act. Earlier this year, state lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill, which would prohibit students K-8 across the state from accessing their personal electronic devices during school hours. The Marietta City School District, DeKalb County School District, and Atlanta Public Schools already require students to secure their phones in lockers or pouches during the school day. What's next If the board approves the change, it will go into effect in August. The Source Information for this story was taken from the policy proposal by the Fulton County School Board.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fulton County School Board votes to close two elementary schools
Parents made their final pleas to the Fulton County School Board to try to save their schools, but it was not enough to save the two schools the district was looking to close. The school board voted 4-3 on Thursday night to close both Parklane Elementary School and Spalding Drive Elementary School. Parents from both schools say that the county's reasons for closing the schools are flawed and hope enough school board members side with them to keep the doors open. The problem for the district is both schools are small and old, and in a district with declining enrollment, money is a factor. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'We are elected to make the difficult decisions,' said board president, Kristin McCabe, who voted no to close both schools. Dozens of parents laid out their case to keep their schools open, but some felt the board had already made up their mind before the vote happened. 'Really disappointing to tell my daughter she's going to have to switch schools because she's a budget line item,' said Parklane parent, Jennifer Agle. School Board District 6 representative, Kimerly Dove, said over the last decade enrollment at Parklane dropped more than 50 percent. However, other board members said enrollment across the district is an issue. 'Fulton County Schools needs to be innovative in how we address lower enrollment,' said District 7 representative, Dr. Michelle Morancie said. RELATED STORIES: Parents urge Board of Education to save 2 Fulton County schools on the chopping block Parents continue to fight against closure of 2 Fulton Co. elementary schools Parents wish for Christmas miracle as they fight to keep Fulton County schools open Parklane parents, teachers push to save the elementary school from closing Parents at Spalding Drive said the decision Thursday night will make the enrollment issues worse. They said in a survey they sent to parents, more than half said they plan to leave the school district. 'It creates a complete lack of trust in the school district, so we will have to look at our alternatives,' said Spalding Drive Elementary parent, Raymond Grote. Parents at Spalding Drive Elementary schools said they are looking at filing a motion for a temporary restraining order against the board for closing the school or looking into making Spalding Drive a charter school. Fulton County Schools superintendent said they will make it a priority to place staff at the closing schools in vacancies across the district. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
