Danville Schools invest $70K in phone-locking pouches to curb classroom distractions

Danville High School administrators have focused in on a new way to help curb issues with students spending too much time on their cell phones and not enough time on school curriculum. During Tuesday night's board of education meeting, the school district approved spending about $70,000 for cell phone pouches that will lock student's cell phones during school hours, but will also allow for use in emergency situations.

Metro ServicesSuperintendent John Hart said the district will have to foot the bill at first but would be reimbursed later.

DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) – Danville High School administrators have focused in on a new way to help curb issues with students spending too much time on their cell phones and not enough time on school curriculum. During Tuesday night’s board of education meeting, the school district approved spending about $70,000 for cell phone pouches that will lock student’s cell phones during school hours, but will also allow for use in emergency situations.

The grey cell phone pouches are being purchased through a company called Yondr and the district will spend around $43,000 for the high school pouches and approximately $27,000 for middle school students through federal Title 4 funds as well as grants.

DHS Principal Jacob Bretz said the pouches are expected to last six to eight years, and said it’s a good idea to introduce them to students in middle school now so they get can used to them by the time they reach high school.

Superintendent John Hart said the district will have to foot the bill at first but would be reimbursed later.

“This will help create a more engaged and purposed learning environment at both schools,” Bretz said, and added, “This will be in compliance with cell phone legislation in the state eventually,”