The sounds of technology constantly vibrate and ring throughout the school as students try to keep connected. Phones have become an important part in everyday life for billions of people, especially high school students. Over the last few years, Klein Collins has seen an increase in students using phones during school and was ranked third last year in the Houston area for acquiring $12,931 in 2013 according to Local 2 News.
“Unfortunately, phones are taken up daily,” Associate Principal Steve Matheson said.
Placing first and second were DeBakey High School in Houston ISD with $14,745, Atascocita High School in Humble ISD bringing in $13,357. Ranking fourth and fifth are Lanier Middle School in Houston ISD with $10,403 and Klein Oak with $9,772.25.
“The principal, Mr. Kirk has control of what is done with the money,” Matheson said. “The money taken up goes into a general fund for the school.”
The projector and sound system that displays the announcements and the banners that hang from the ceiling in the commons are just some of the ways the money that is taken up from phones fines benefit the school.
“I believe the cell phone policy is set for a good reason, but I think the price is too expensive,” junior Jordan Thomas said. “I don’t think the school should be able to charge that much for having my phone out in school.”
All phones and electronic devices that are not intended for school use are not permitted on campus. Texas Education Code states that all schools have the right to take cell phones and charge a fee for it to be returned. When a phone or electronic device is taken up, a parent or guardian must pay $15 to retrieve it.
“I have a lot of friends who get their phones taken up daily,” Thomas said. “I’m definitely not surprised that the school made that much money.”
There is a possibility that the phone policy might change. Soon students will be allowed to use their own devices.
“There is a possibility the policy might change,” Matheson said. “Students from Wunderlich Middle school might soon be allowed to use their own devices instead of school issued tablets.”