The Beaumont ISD Board of Trustees examined STAAR results from the previous school year in the July 25 meeting. Despite aligning with state trends, BISD students are still underperforming in many subjects. Trustees discussed solutions to increase teacher and student engagement, including the potential use of Yondr Pouches to limit cell phone distractions.
BISD Trustee at Large Robert Dunn Sr. highlighted the benefits of using devices to lock students’ phones during instructional time.
“This is a concrete solution that gives them 8 hours of phone-free instruction,” Dunn stated, and called on parents to support limiting cell phone use during school hours. Dunn noted that current policies are often ignored, disrupting the educational process.
Studies indicate that 65% of schools using devices like Yondr report academic progress; 25% see fewer fights due to reduced online bullying; 74% noticed improved student behavior; and 83% of teachers observe better student engagement.
“All I’m asking for is help us and I think this would be a positive move for our district. We have a policy restricting phone usage and they don’t abide by it. You can walk around campus and see it’s restricting our educational process throughout the day, and we’re overlooking it,” Dunn said, adding that teachers are of the mindset that, as long as little Johnny doesn’t disrupt the class for the other kids, it’s fine.
“But, that’s not why we’re here,” said Dunn. “Your child is not going to die if they don’t have their phone in their hand 24/7, they’re not, they’re gonna be okay.”
Trustees recalled a similar discussion in 2022, where parental support was lacking due to emergency concerns. Dunn reassured that school phones are available for emergencies, emphasizing the importance of listening to on-site teachers and administrators during critical situations.
BISD Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen expressed support for the idea, acknowledging the need for fidelity in implementation as she listed an extensive list of processes students already go through each morning to get inside the school.
“We struggle with implementing the policy at the high school level now because you would literally be fighting these children all day long over a cell phone,” said Allen. “So, educators give up, and let them have their pacifiers, because it’s easier than trying to get it away from them. It would encompass all of their time and all of their day.”
The majority of trustees were in agreement that something had to be done about the cell phone distraction but were open to further discussion and consideration of other devices and options as well. Trustee Woodrow Reece suggested a dedicated workshop to align on a solution, recognizing the challenge ahead.
Although no immediate action was taken, there was talk of potentially implementing Yondr Pouches or similar devices around Christmas break.