Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – It’s sometimes nice to hear that Springfield Public Schools are doing something better than the state.  That can be said now that a law is in effect banning most cell phone use in schools.

District 186 Superintendent Terrance Jordan tells the WTAX Morning Newswatch the district’s policy is stricter than the state ban, signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker last week.

“I understand that our parents want to make sure that they can contact their kids, and make sure they’re safe, with all the things that are going on in the world today,” said Jordan.  “But, our parents understand that while [kids are] at school, we need to focus on learning.  We have all kinds of technology…for them to use during the school day.  So, they really don’t need to use their cell phones.”

Jordan says the district’s policy — which does include some rules for emergencies — is more “forward-thinking” than state law.

As for those restrictions to District 186’s policy…

“We have kids that use their phone or devices that may have some medical issues.  We look those on an individual basis,” said Jordan.  “It’s not one of those policies where it’s where we don’t tolerate any, but we make sure we’re looking at it on a case-by-case (basis).”

The first day of school in District 186 is August 24.  Jordan says there are still opportunities for parents to get their kids registered for school without having to use the online component, for students to get free school supplies, and for those students to get required physicals and immunizations.