A Sept. 1 article in the Recorder informs the reader and Greenfield taxpayer that the cell phone “pouches” to be used to govern cell-phone activity during school hours will cost an initial $16,000 and the subsequent shelling out of around $12,000 for annual maintenance.
As stated in the article, “. . . the biggest priority is reestablishing focus. (Cellphone related distraction) came out of the scope of being able to manage.” The statement implies that little or no effective management of cell phone use in the schools ever seriously existed. Being able to manage the use of cell phones in the schools should have been established long ago enforced by the School Committee in tandem with school officials. In actuality, it might have been as easy as establishing policy stating no cell phone use during school hours and, without question, genuinely administering the policy. Emergency situations handled via the school office.
There may have been a directive for cell phone use in the schools. If so, it’s obvious that it was feebly managed. That’s the reason for attempting to reestablish management via cell phone “pouches.” There’s a message here for those in charge of the subject matter. If a strong directive for school cell phone use was established some time ago by school officials — and effectively managed — a great deal of money might have been directed toward educating Greenfield students rather than estranging them. Greenfield taxpayer, you’ve been whacked again … Whodathunkit!
Ed Gregory
Greenfield