School officials debate bus driver cell phone use

The issue of whether school bus drivers using cell phones on the job should be addressed in a State Board of Education policy on electronic devices has taken some by surprise.

A state PTA representative posed the question to the board's Law and Policy Committee Friday morning after the committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposal.

The board plans to discuss and possibly make a final decision Friday afternoon. The policy would require school districts to set up guidelines for cell phones and other electronic devices in schools. State education staff has created a model policy.

Friday morning, Rhonda Rose, state PTA community involvement commissioner, told the Deseret News that state PTA officials have been getting phone calls and e-mails from worried parents ever since a California train wreck occurred in which the engineer reportedly was using a cell phone.

"It is happening on our school buses," Rose told the committee.

Committee members pointed out if they add to the proposal prohibiting district employees from using cell phones, it would include teachers.

The committee agreed to address the bus driver issue in the future. For now, USOE will issue a letter asking district officials to immediately examine the issue of bus drivers using cell phones behind the wheel.

"We just ask you to look at this issue and pay close attention to it," said Larry Shumway, USOE associate superintendent of law, legislation and educational services.

Several committee members agreed it is up to the Legislature to make statewide policy regarding bus drivers using cell phones on the job.

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E-mail: astewart@desnews.com