Weston School Committee sends draft cell phone policy back to subcommittee

WESTON — January 6, 2025 — Weston School Committee declines to adopt draft cell phone policy after parents call for stricter limits. Four parents in public comment, including education consultant Beth Beats and Woodland parent Gina, urged the committee to launch a task force focused on elementary-age students and to look at peer districts like Kent Denver School, which adopted a strict policy in 2022. Superintendent Dr. Zaleski said an administrative working group reviewed practices in six districts and surveyed 14 high schools, of which 13 use cell-phone "hotels" similar to Weston's. The chair, who said she had expected "more robust change," directed the policy subcommittee to return with bullet-pointed options reflecting concerns raised about study halls, smartwatches and laptops. The committee also held a first reading of attendance policy changes adding documented healthcare visits as excused absences and clarifying Google Classroom access for students at extended specialty schools. Of 154 high school graduates last year, students enrolled at 88 institutions across 26 states; 93 percent of AP exam-takers scored a three or better.