(Ankeny, IA) -- Ankeny is joining the list of Iowa school districts approving policies to ban phones in schools. Before the beginning of the year, the district sent out surveys to staff, parents and more to help shape the policy. Board member Stephanie Gott says it did just that.
"We know what is best for our kids," Gott says. "I also really appreciate we asked for feedback through surveys."
Although the board is voting to pass the district-wide policies now, some schools already took the initiative. Renee Potts, who works at Northview Middle School, says she's seen positive changes since the year began.
"We've been in school for at least three to four weeks now, and I feel it's been incredible," Potts says. "They're looking people in the eye again and they're having those conversations. Everyone's taking the opportunity to check in with each other."
The policy states that students can not have any "wireless communication device" on school grounds, during school hours. That includes lunch hours and passing periods. Superintendent Dr. Erick Pruitt says the goal is mainly the classroom, though.
"To me, the purpose of this recommended policy is really focused in on the instructional day," Pruitt says. "Yes, we want to see our kids engaged outside of class. I was in Ankeny on Friday. I actually didn't see the majority of kids on their phones. They actually were talking with one another."
Gott says this policy is not end all, be all.
"The one thing I like about this approach is it's not everything forever," Gott says. "It's flexible."