Louisville high school surveying parents on creating 'phone-free' school

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More schools are exploring the possibility of keeping cellphones out of the classroom, and a Louisville school is the latest to gauge parents' interest.

Last week, Ballard High School distributed a survey to parents, asking for their thoughts on smartphone use in schools and potential phone-ban scenarios.

The discussion comes on the heels of a new Kentucky law passed this year which requires school boards to adopt a policy that prohibits cellphone use during the school day — with specific exceptions. While Jefferson County Public Schools already has a policy in place, some said it's time for a closer look.

Jefferson County School Board member James Craig, whose district includes Ballard, supports more restrictive phone policies. He pointed to Fern Creek High School's phone-free approach as a model. There, students are required to place their phones in lockable pouches at the beginning of the day, which can only be opened at designated times, such as lunch.

Ballard High School exterior — FILE -- Ballard High School in Louisville, Ky. (WDRB/archive)

"I can't wait to see the results of Ballard's efforts," Craig said.

He's currently working on potential updates to the district's policy. His proposal would require individual schools to form committees of students and teachers to help shape their policies, ensuring buy-in across the school community.

"It requires individual schools to convene committees of students and teachers to discuss a policy that could have buy-in throughout the entire building," Craig said. "That leads to a result of phone-free instruction time."

WDRB asked viewers for their thoughts on the issue on Facebook, and the responses were varied.

"They shouldn't be on them during instructional time at all," one person said. "However, given how crazy the world is, they should have access for emergencies."

Another commenter disagreed.

Absolutely not!" he or she said. "My kid will have their phone on their person. With how things are handled and done inside schools, my child will stay protected — and a phone is a way to do so."

Ballard High School hasn't released the results of its parent survey. In the meantime, the district continues to weigh how best to balance safety, learning and the realities of modern student life.

As for that policy Craig is working on, he hopes to introduce that at the board's meeting later this month.

Art from Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' on display in downtown Louisville

Louisville 'ahead of schedule' for flood cleanup with Derby events around the corner