Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The subject of cell-phone-in-the-classroom rules could return to the District 186 school board.

Board member Micah Miller recalls the idea of pouches the district could purchase – in which kids would store during class

In addition to what Miller said was inconsistent enforcement – skewed toward Lanphier and Southeast High Schools, rather than Springfield High School – he cited a survey of students.

“Getting rid of cell phones in the school environment made them more productive,” Miller told his fellow board members, “but none of them wanted to give up their cell phones.”

Miller said strengthening the policy to reduce teacher and administrator discretion would make things more fair.

After Miller suggested the board revisit the Yondr pouches (pictured), board member Debi Iams  di had a response: the policy has been in effect for only a year.

“We need to have a little bit more time,” said Iams. “We don’t have the money for Yondr pouches. We will not have the money for Yondr pouches, and we voted on that already.”

Miller responded, “This was specifically mentioned in a budget discussion with the superintendent about being prepared for a potential vote to come back.”

“It was mentioned,” concluded Iams, “by you.”