The Coffee County School Board meeting on June 5, 2025, focused primarily on the revision of the district's cell phone policy, which has undergone significant changes following extensive discussions among school officials. The board's decision aims to enhance safety and reduce distractions during instructional time.

The previous policy, established in 2012, prohibited cell phones entirely but lacked clear disciplinary measures. After two meetings and approximately eight hours of deliberation, the policy committee proposed a new approach termed "out of sight, out of mind." This strategy allows students to possess personal communication devices, provided they are turned off and stored away during school hours. The committee emphasized that the revised policy includes stricter penalties for violations to ensure compliance and safety.

Several board members expressed concerns about the clarity and consistency of the new policy across different schools. Discussions highlighted the need for uniformity in enforcement, particularly regarding whether students would be required to store their phones in lockers or keep them in backpacks. The middle school and high school have different practices, which raised questions about equitable treatment of students.

The board also addressed the implications of a new state law that allows teachers to integrate student devices into instructional activities. However, concerns were raised about the potential for misuse of phones, leading to safety issues and distractions. Board members acknowledged the challenges of balancing the need for student responsibility with the reality of some students misusing their devices.

Ultimately, the board voted unanimously to approve the revised policy, marking a significant step toward addressing safety concerns while allowing for some flexibility in device usage. The policy is expected to be implemented system-wide, with further discussions anticipated to clarify specific enforcement measures and ensure all stakeholders are informed.