Harford County Schools Implement Cellphone Ban, Staffing Cuts for 2025-2026
Students in Harford County returned to school on September 5, 2025, amid significant changes, including a new cellphone policy and staffing adjustments throughout the district. The Harford County School District has enacted a ban on cellphones in classrooms during instructional time, a decision made official on June 9, 2025. Under this policy, all students, regardless of grade level, must deactivate and store their devices in backpacks or lockers during the school day.
Smartwatches are permissible in classrooms but must remain turned off. While students can use their devices on school grounds before and after classes, as well as on school buses, they are prohibited from engaging in conversations, calls, or recording activities during these times. Disciplinary action will be taken against students who violate these rules.
Staffing Changes Due to Budget Constraints
In addition to the cellphone policy, the Harford County School District has reduced its staff by 120 positions as a response to a $60 million budget deficit for the 2025-2026 school year. According to officials, no employees were laid off; rather, the reductions were achieved through attrition, meaning that vacated positions have not been filled due to ongoing budget constraints. This has prompted a reorganization within the school system, necessitating staff relocations to different schools, grade levels, and subjects.
Despite these challenges, Harford Schools’ Manager of Communications, Jillian Lader, indicated that the district is expected to start the new school year with no teacher vacancies. This proactive measure aims to ensure continuity in educational quality amid the staffing changes.
Potential Virtual Learning Days Ahead
Looking ahead, students might experience virtual instruction days in lieu of traditional snow days if the Harford County Board of Education approves a new virtual learning plan on September 22, 2025. The proposal suggests that after utilizing three in-person makeup days for inclement weather closures, the remaining three days would transition to online learning.
The plan stipulates that at least four hours of instruction during these virtual days would be synchronous, allowing students to engage with teachers in real-time via Microsoft Teams. This initiative reflects the district’s commitment to maintaining educational standards despite potential disruptions caused by severe weather.
For further updates or news tips, contact Matt Hubbard at [email protected] or call 443-651-0101.
