Apache Junction superintendent to speak at Phoenix presser on banning cell phones in classroom

State schools chief Tom Horne will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Department of Education offices to announce a renewed effort to have a state law addressing a ban on cell phones in the classroom and the Apache Junction Unified School District’s superintendent is to speak.

Joining Horne will be former public school teacher Mitchell Rutherford of Tucson, who left his position in frustration over the proliferation of mobile devices being used by students in the classroom. Also included in this news conference are State Sen. Shawnna Bolick, Payson school district governing board member Susan Ward and Apache Junction Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Pappalardo.

All cell phones must be off and remain in a student’s backpack or in a classroom cell phone locker at all times under a policy appoved by the Apache Junction Unified School District.

At tomorrow’s press conference with Horne, AJUSD Superintendent Pappalardo will be focusing on the overall benefits of banning personal devices in the classroom and why this policy is crucial for creating a better learning environment across the district, Nicki Bosch, AJUSD director of communications, said in an email.

“While we don’t yet have enough definitive data, as school has been in session for less than a month, early indications at AJUSD suggest that students are more engaged and focused, with teachers reporting fewer disruptions and greater participation in class. We’ll be sharing these promising early observations to illustrate the potential positive impact of policies such as ours,” she said.

The news conference on cell phone ban legislation is 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at the AZED offices, 1535 W. Jefferson, 4th Floor in Phoenix.