Mukwonago measure to issue citations to students who violate phone policy 'tabled indefinitely'

 

MUKWONAGO, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A controversial measure in Mukwonago to allow police to issue citations for students who violate school policy on cell phones won't move forward. A committee unanimously voted to table the measure indefinitely on Wednesday, Dec. 4. 

The vote was taken after public comment, including powerful testimony from one parent who read the text messages between a Georgia high school student and her mom following a school shooting in September. The shooting at Apalachee High School took the lives of two teachers and two students and injured nine more.

"How dare you take away the one thing that makes our kids feel safe at school? A lifeline to their parents so they can at least say goodbye," a parent said to trustees during public comment at Wednesday night's meeting.

A change in cell phone policy at Mukwonago schools starting this year has been met with resistance from parents and students. It's now an all-out ban, even for school sponsored activities like field trips.

"I had even contacted the school board at the beginning of the school year and asked if they would even consider a 10-minute window like at the end of lunch period and that was just shut down," said Andrea Kokott, Mukwonago parent.

The district went to the village requesting backup, wanting students who violate the policy repeatedly to get a ticket from police, like a parking ticket.

"I was really concerned with the whole idea that they would use police enforcement for a school district policy," said Kokott.

Those who supported the measure said it would be better to get a ticket than be suspended. Not everyone agreed.

"In the past, trustees have sat up here and changed their vote because of public opinion and I feel that this should not be an exception," said Ken Johnson, Mukwonago Village trustee.

"I also believe that this is an overreach. I agree with the parents in the audience," said Darlene Johnson, Mukwonago Village trustee.

Brenna Smith, a Mukwonago High School junior, has seen her fellow classmates stress over the new policy.

"Panicking," said Smith.

For times when after school plans change and students have no way to get home.

"Oh yeah, I've seen some people like texting back like parents or something and they get their phone snatched away," said Smith.

The village board's Committee of the Whole voted to table the measure indefinitely and when asked to explain what tabling it indefinitely means, the board said it means it goes away.