Local School Officials Not Hung Up on Statewide Cell Phone Ban
By Karen Haave
Gov. JB Pritzker says he intends to sign legislation imposing a statewide ban on cell phones and other wireless communication devices during instructional time in public schools and charter schools.
Although many districts in Illinois have already adopted more stringent bans of their own, Senate Bill 2427 would require all school boards to adopt policies that at least meet a minimum standard, beginning in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
“We have had a cell phone policy in place at Frankfort School District 157-C for many years now,” noted Dr. Doug Wernet, District 157C Superintendent.
“We believe there is no need for cell phones in classrooms, as they impact students’ ability to stay focused on instruction. We currently don’t have the kids put cell phones in their lockers. We have the students turn them off and put them away, and do not allow them out in class.
“The new law will not cause any change to our current practice. Ultimately, we support this common sense law and will continue to enforce this expectation in our schools.”
Dr. Kara Coglianese, Superintendent for Crete-Monee Schools, said her district also supports classrooms free of distractions like cell phones.
“Currently, our district already has a board policy in place to limit cell phones in our schools,” she said. “Cell phone use violations in school are already being addressed in the classroom with our discipline policies.
“Certainly, our staff supports having students fully engaged during instructional time without the distractions from cell phones. The law that will be put in place highlights and reinforces the importance of good instruction free of distractions, which is good overall for enhancing student achievement.”
According to Dr. Jack Gaham, Beecher School Superintendent, his board of education will adopt the district cell phone policy with its second reading in June.
“The elementary and junior high already had a no-cell phone usage, they are simply formalizing it,” he said. “The high school policy will be used only before/after school, during lunch, or in the passing period. We discussed it at a policy meeting first and again addressed it at the May meeting for first reading.
“At this time, there has been no reaction, but I believe this is because of a general knowledge where the legislation was going to take the matter.
“We are providing all high school classrooms with lockboxes for cell phones to help the teachers. The first violation would be addressed by the teacher. The subsequent violations will be addressed by the administration via progressive discipline.”
In Peotone CUSD 207U, however, outgoing Superintendent Brandon Owens said the district does not currently have a cell phone ban.
“But we have been examining our practices and procedures over the last few years in anticipation of a potential ban becoming law,” he added. “The administration will be reviewing its current procedures and look to make the necessary changes for implementation.”
District 210 Superintendent Scott Tingley said only, “This bill will not significantly change anything we do at Lincoln-Way.”
Kristine Schlismann, Director of Community & Alumni Relations for the Joliet Township High School District, said they will be implementing a new cell phone policy beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
The new policy, developed through the JTHS Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee, a group made up of parents, community members, and staff, includes these changes:
- Students will be expected to keep their cell phones turned off and placed in the assigned storage space in each classroom from the start of class until the bell rings unless the student has a documented medical need, IEP, or 504 accommodation related to phone use.
- Smart or AI-enabled glasses, including devices such as Meta glasses, are not allowed at JTHS facilities or events.
- Headphones and earbuds must be removed and stored during class.
- Phones may not be used in academic areas, offices, bathrooms, or locker rooms.
- Non-JTHS electronic devices (i.e. headphones/earbuds, iPods, iPads & non-JTHS laptops, etc.) must be off and stored in backpacks during class time.
- Students may use their phones during passing periods and lunch.
If a parent or guardian needs to reach a student during the school day, school officials say, they can contact the school’s main office or the deans’ office. Staff will ensure urgent messages are delivered.
If a student has a documented medical need related to phone use, accommodations will be honored according to their plan, they added.
The goal, they said is, “intended to support student success, not to punish students.”
The bill prohibits schools from using fines, fees or law enforcement officers to enforce the ban. It passed the House in April, 102-3. The Senate concurred in the House version of the bill on May 31, the final day of session, 55-2.
“Every parent and educator knows the damage that unchecked screen time and social media can do to our children and how disruptive they can be in school,” Pritzker said in a statement. “The bipartisan support for this effort reflects the urgency educators and families across Illinois feel.”
Karen Haave is a freelance reporter. Farmers Weekly Review Editor Nick Reiher and Capitol News Illinois contributed to this story.
