Lake County Gazette

The Board of Education for Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 has approved changes to the district’s cell phone policy for the 2025-26 school year. The revised guidelines are included in the student handbook, which was distributed during registration and is available on the district website.

The new policy will take effect at the start of classes on August 11. District officials say they are sharing information about these changes early so families have time to discuss expectations with students.

According to district leadership, research indicates that reducing personal electronic device use during instructional time can help create a more focused and respectful learning environment. The updated policy aims to maximize learning, minimize distractions, and encourage in-person interactions within schools.

Personal electronic devices covered by the policy include cell phones, smartphones, headphones, earbuds, smart glasses (such as Meta A), recording devices, iPods, iPads, PDAs, laptops, tablets or similar technology.

For elementary, intermediate and middle schools in Collinsville CUSD 10—including Caseyville Elementary School, Collinsville Middle School and Dorris Intermediate School—the previous ban on device use remains unchanged. Students must keep devices powered off and out of sight from entry until dismissal; no use is allowed during lunch or recess. Students needing to contact parents during school hours must use an office phone. Headphones and earbuds are also prohibited throughout the day.

At Collinsville High School (CHS), new restrictions limit device usage further: “Devices must be powered off and out of sight during all instructional time, passing periods, and in academic areas (including study halls). Permitted use before the 7:40 AM bell and during a student’s assigned lunch period in the cafeteria or cafeteria patio. School-issued Chromebooks may be used in class as directed by the teacher. Headphones/earbuds are not allowed during the school day.”

Disciplinary actions for violations will be determined case-by-case and may include parent notification, disciplinary conferences, loss of privileges without refund, temporary removal from class or events, confiscation or restitution for damages or lost items, suspension from bus privileges or in-school suspension.

“We strongly encourage families to talk with their student(s) about these expectations now. Our goal is to support students' academic success, well-being and positive social interactions,” according to district communication.

Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 serves Madison and St. Clair counties through multiple schools including Jefferson Elementary School and Maryville Elementary School among others https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/, there are 418 teachers employed by the district with an average salary of $60,392; most teachers are women. The student body is made up of approximately 56 percent White students while Black students represent just over 14 percent; Hispanic students account for about a quarter of enrollment https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. In fiscal year 2020 the district spent nearly $17 thousand per student for a total expenditure exceeding $104 million https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.