A law passed last year failed due to the governor’s veto

Guest article/Courtesy of ADE

PHOENIX – State Schools Superintendent Tom Horne says he will support legislation to ban cellphones in schools statewide, citing the need for teachers to be able to fully manage their classes with minimal distractions, emphasize academic achievement and create a safer campus environment.

Horne explained, “Imagine being a teacher trying to teach a class while students are tapping away on their cell phones. Allowing this to happen is outrageous. It significantly reduces student learning and makes life difficult for teachers who are already under a lot of pressure. No teacher should have to compete with cell phones for students’ attention. Cell phone use in the classroom is so widespread that it takes away valuable instructional minutes, and research shows that student academic performance suffers. This is unacceptable, and nationwide legislation is essential to eliminate these distractions.”

He added, “This bill was passed by the House last year but was vetoed by the governor. That veto was irrational and irresponsible. People need to go to the governor’s office and urge that it not be vetoed next year. Leaving this up to the districts means some teachers will have to continue teaching classes with students surfing around on their phones, something NO teacher should be required to do.”

Horne is also joined in his support by former Tucson public school teacher Mitchell Rutherford, who left the profession because so many students were using mobile devices in class that it limited his ability to be an effective teacher.

Several state legislators, including Senator Shawnna Bolick, Representative Beverly Pingerelli, Senator TJ Shope and Representative Matt Gress, have expressed support for the bill. Horne has also enlisted the support of board members Susan Ward of Payson and Apache Junction County Supervisor Dr. Bob Papalardo.