June 3, 2026 6:30p
(WGTD)---Racine Unified Superintendent Soren Gajewski is preparing for a firestorm of protest if the school board adopts a bell-to-bell prohibition on the student use of cell phones.
As reported previously by WGTD, several board members—if not a majority—are ready to support a ban that’s above and beyond the requirements of a new state law that generally prohibits the use of phones during class times.
During another lengthy discussion on the matter Monday night, Gajewski warned the board that implementing a total ban could be costly and could lead to a rash of complaints from parents. But Gajewski is leaving it up to the board to chart the district's direction on the matter.
Few districts as large as Racine’s have attempted such a move, he said. "There's not a lot of them out there. We would be leading the way in this type of thing. This is really a big deal. And it may be really good at the end but please understand it's not simple. This will be a very heavy load on our staff, on our resources and within the community," Gajewski said.
Proponents believe prohibiting the use of cell phones in schools during school days is the best way to eliminate learning distractions, maintain order and promote stronger engagement. Speaking most vehemently in favor were board members Mike Bellagio and Scott Coey, who teaches at Kenosha's Bradford High School.
The Kenosha School Board is considering a less stringent policy.
Gajewski says he’ll be preparing options for the board to vote on at the board's June 15th meeting. Options may include starting out slow with a pilot program at a cluster of middle schools. .
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