Auburn School Committee holds cell phone policy steady pending second survey

AUBURN — November 5, 2025 — Auburn School Committee keeps cell phone pilot unchanged after mixed first-round survey results. The committee reviewed responses from students, staff, and families at Auburn High School and Auburn Middle School on the no-cell-phone policy approved in June, finding that 100 percent of responding AHS staff said the restriction had improved student focus while a majority of students opposed the policy, citing safety and communication concerns. Roughly 50 percent of middle school students said they lacked enough time to visit their lockers, a recurring theme committee members said warrants monitoring but not immediate action. The superintendent said she would be "hesitant to make any changes just yet," with a second survey planned for late January or early February. The committee also unanimously approved a 60-month Pitney Bowes postage meter lease for Auburn Middle School and central office, saving the district $363.36 annually, and approved a set of budget transfers to fund curriculum competitions for high school students.