New cellphone policy coming for Collinsville High School Students
By Devese “Dee” Ursery
Collinsville School District announced its new cell phone policy for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
After reviewing and updating the district’s student handbook, it has made a few changes to its cellphone policy. The changes were recommended by district administration and approved by the Board of Education during its May 19, 2025, meeting.
Students at Collinsville High School will be prohibited from using their cellphones or any personal electronic devices during all instructional time, passing periods, and in academic areas, including study halls.
The new regulation will start on Aug. 11, on the first day of the new school year. Personal electronic devices consist of cellphones/smartphones, headphones, earbuds, smart glasses, recording devices, iPods, iPads, PDAs, laptops, tablets, or similar technology.
“The purpose of the new cellphone policy is based on research, stating that limited screen time on personal electronic devices during instructional time helps to promote more of a guided, participatory, and respectful learning space,” CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr. Brad Skertich.
“The Collinsville CUSD 10 Personal Electronic Device Policy has been updated to maximize learning and minimize distractions, as well as encourage in-person interactions and build community within our schools.”
At CHS, personal devices must be powered off and out of sight once the bell rings to start class.
Students are permitted to use their devices before the 7:40 a.m. bell and during their assigned lunch period in the cafeteria or cafeteria patio.
School-issued Chromebooks may be used in class as directed by the teacher. Headphones/earbuds are not allowed during the school day.
The previous policy banned cell phone use in elementary, intermediate, and middle school. No changes were made at those grade levels. Personal devices must be powered off from the time students enter the building until the time they leave. No device use is allowed during the school day, including during lunch or recess. Additionally, headphones/earbuds are not permitted during the school day, and students must use the office phone to contact their parents during school hours.
All disciplinary action is determined on a case-by-case basis and may include: Parent/guardian notification, temporary removal from class, restrictions from school grounds/events, and confiscation or temporary retention of the device. The student could also face an in-school suspension, confiscation, and loss of bus privileges.
“We strongly encourage families to talk with their students about these expectations now,” Skertich said. “Our goal is to support students’ academic success, well-being, and positive social interactions.”
