Make no mistake about it, there is a ban on smart devices in Knox County Schools when students return to classes Aug. 7.
No phones, no smart watches, no tablets during school hours. No use at all, not between classes and not at lunch. From first bell to last bell, electronic devices must be silenced and stored out of sight.
Can students use their phones or smart devices during class time for schoolwork? Yes, but only with a teacher’s OK.
Can students use their phones or smart devices in an emergency? Yes, but those parameters weren’t discussed in depth and will be in place when school starts.
The school board moved fast to put the rule into place before school starts Aug. 7. To make it happen the board discussed it July 7 at a work session and approved the plan July 10 in the regular board meeting at which it was first proposed. That’s unusual. Typically, the school board conducts a first reading at one meeting, then votes on a second reading at the next meeting.
But the school board has the power to move with urgency, and it did in this case when it voted July 10 to restrict smart devices during school hours and waived the second reading at a subsequent meeting. It was the only way to put the restrictions in place for the first day of school (the board doesn’t have a voting meeting again until Aug. 7, the first day of school).
Reporter Keenan Thomas got it right in his report published July 11, but he’s the only local news reporter who did, which is why I’m writing about it. Students, families and KCS staff are surely confused with all the incorrect reports floating around and that’s why it’s important to reinforce our accurate reporting.
Thomas and his editor were sure they understood this was an unusual vote, and Thomas made certain to confirm with KCS spokeswoman Carly Harrington that the restrictions had indeed been approved. And then I confirmed one more time, again with Harrington, who also confirmed it on her end with the district’s legal counsel.
This is a big deal for students, families and KCS staff, and it’s important you know what just happened.
Our newsroom takes seriously its obligation to get it right. And we take seriously our obligation to correct the record when we get it wrong. That’s the other reason I’m making the effort to write to you about this. If you see an error, we want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected], and we’ll make sure to verify information you think is incorrect and correct any errors promptly.
Thank you for trusting us to provide you an accurate and timely news report, and for calling us out if we fall short. Credible information, especially from a robust local newsroom, has never been more important. We’re committed to providing it to you.
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Joel Christopher, editor, [email protected]
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