Washington County Schools Set to Implement Stricter Cell Phone Policy and Expand Facilities

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is preparing for significant changes in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, including a new policy restricting student cell phone use during school hours, adjustments to classroom technology, and progress on facility upgrades. These updates were detailed in a public business meeting of the Board of Education (WCBOE). The board also approved salary adjustments for employees and discussed ongoing construction and renovation projects.

In alignment with the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, WCPS will implement a stricter policy regarding the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. Beginning in the next academic year, students will be required to store their cell phones and other personal communication devices in an assigned school locker or cubby. This measure prohibits any use of these devices throughout the school day, encompassing lunch, recess, and transition periods between classes. While exceptions may be made for students with documented health or disability-related needs, the general rule is that devices must remain out of sight and out of reach. Furthermore, the revised policy extends the restriction to social media platforms, preventing their use even for school-sponsored activities such as clubs and athletics. The decision to revise the policy was informed by research presented to the Board, highlighting concerns about the negative effects of increased screen time and social media on adolescent development. A community survey conducted by WCPS indicated that a majority of respondents support limiting cell phone use during school hours, with 55.5% expressing strong support or support for such measures. More than half of those surveyed, 50.5%, agreed that limiting personal devices and social media use would improve the learning environment and reduce distractions. The survey also revealed varying levels of support across different groups, with parent support being higher at the elementary level and staff showing the strongest endorsement for the changes. Student support, however, tended to decrease with age, with a notable drop in approval among high school students.

In addition to the new cell phone policy, WCPS is taking steps to reduce overall screen time in classrooms, particularly for younger students. The Board of Education has approved the purchase of new Chromebook storage and charging carts, supporting a shift towards shared devices rather than individual assignments for elementary and middle school students. Under this new model, elementary schools will have Chromebook carts in grades 2-5, providing one device for every two students. First-grade classrooms will receive smaller carts for small group work, while pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will not be assigned individual devices. Middle schools will see Chromebook carts available in core subject classrooms, including math, science, social studies, and English Language Arts. High school students will continue to be assigned their own Chromebooks to prepare them for post-secondary education and career opportunities.

The Board of Education also approved the annual update to the Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP), a comprehensive document guiding future school construction, renovations, and maintenance. The plan takes into account community growth, enrollment trends, and the condition of existing facilities. With nearly 1,100 acres of property and almost 3.5 million square feet of building space, WCPS faces the challenge of an aging infrastructure. The average age of WCPS schools is 39 years, making them among the oldest in Maryland, with 24 out of 47 facilities not having undergone a full renovation since the 1970s. Key projects outlined in the plan include the new “Downsville Pike” Elementary School, scheduled to open in August 2027. Additionally, a planned addition at Jonathan Hager Elementary School is slated for an August 2028 opening. The EFMP also includes a proposed feasibility study for future work at Clear Spring Middle/High School, identified due to the condition of its buildings, available land, and its potential to alleviate overcrowding in other county areas. Longer-term plans also involve the replacement of aging elementary schools. Following the Board’s approval, the EFMP will be submitted to various state agencies for review and final approval.

In a related development, the Board unanimously approved the educational specifications for the Jonathan Hager Elementary School expansion. These specifications outline the necessary spaces and functionalities to support teaching, learning, safety, and daily operations, guiding the architectural design process. The expansion aims to increase the school’s capacity and improve its layout.

The Board of Education finalized employment contracts for Educational Support Personnel (ESP) and Administrators and Supervisors. Effective July 1, 2026, ESP staff will advance one step on the classified employee salary scale, and the agreement includes provisions for voluntary transfers, call-back pay, and a commitment to post all ESP job descriptions online within the next year. Administrators and Supervisors will see a 1% increase in their salary scale, along with additional personal leave days, sick leave cash-out benefits, and retiree benefit updates. Negotiations for teacher salaries and other contractual agreements are still in progress.

Additionally, the Board approved updated school meal prices for the 2026-2027 school year, with breakfast set at $1.85 for both elementary and secondary students, and lunch at $2.85 for elementary and $3.10 for secondary students. Minor adjustments were also made to the FY27 general fund operating budget to reflect changes in funding from the County and State. A significant donation of $75,000 from an anonymous donor was accepted to support the renovation of the Smithsburg High School auditorium.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Public Schools

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