Students will likely need to put their cells and other devices to rest at school next year.

The School Board of Lee County provided direction to district staff Tuesday to put a “bell to bell” policy in the code of conduct regarding cell phones, as well as other electronic/telecommunication devices, for all grades.

“After looking at pros and cons, bell to bell for all grade levels,” Chair Sam Fisher said, as their No. 1 focus is academic achievement. “I don’t see where the cons outweigh the pros — too much distraction.”

The board voiced its concern about making its decision consistent throughout every school, instead of a hodge podge of enforcement.

“I’m totally for the phones from first bell to last bell remaining in the backpack,” Board member Armor Persons said. “It’s the easiest way to be consistent for elementary, middle, and high school.”

Student Services Executive Director Dr. Jessica Duncan said current legislation states that students cannot use cell phones in the classroom.

The district conducted a wireless communication device survey from Jan. 13, through Jan. 27, which had 5,152 responses as of Jan. 24, with 94% respondents being parents.

From that survey, 85.3% of respondents agreed with the restriction of wireless communication device use during the instructional day, just as long as they had access to the device in their backpack in case of an emergency.

Another question asked if they thought areas would improve without devices during the school day — increase in academic performance/engagement, positive social interactions, as well as reduction in bullying incidents, including cyberbullying and peer conflicts. From those selections, 23.8% stated they did not believe any of those would improve.

Some of the infractions are for display of weapons or inappropriate messages, pictures, or images on one’s cellular phone or electronic device that cause a disruption to the safe operation of the school, and unauthorized use of an electronic device or camera to record school-related events or activities on campus and/or bus.

Board member Melisa Giovannelli said Gateway High School has no tolerance at all for cell phones — they do not have them in the hallway or lunchroom.

“I ask for data because I believe it would lower infraction without having those phones,” she said.

Giovannelli said student achievement goes up, student engagement with each other and the lunchroom atmosphere is better without phones.

“I’m leaning towards no phone tolerance,” she said. “It can be in the backpack for the children to access during an emergency, I guess. After speaking to many teachers, the positive outweigh the negative by far. The phones continue to be the distraction.”

Duncan said they have talked about including electronic communication devices, so they can have better data on referrals.

“With data, that will give us better information,” she said.

Other changes, include separating disrespect and insubordination into two infractions, as well as amending the consequences for drug use and possession. Duncan said it provides the principals with some additional opportunities for consequences.

The biggest change is providing the principal with the option of recommending Success Academy after the second infraction.

There was also a proposed change for bullying consequences, by changing it to a level three with an option for Success Academy review meeting and potential placement there.

The board is expected to vote on the code of conduct at its March meeting.