Concord-Carlisle School Committee Drops Cell Phone Survey, Awaits State Law

CONCORD — April 14, 2026 — Concord-Carlisle School Committee shelves cell phone survey as state legislation nears passage. At its April 14 Zoom meeting, the committee voted unanimously to abandon its draft community survey on cell phone use, with Chair Tracy Waterson and members including Carrie Rankin and Andrew Kelliher agreeing that fast-moving House and Senate bills — targeting a September 2026 implementation — have effectively removed the issue from local control. Superintendent Lori Hunter said DESE will issue a model policy once the governor signs the bill, citing a parallel to last-minute CTE policy requirements that left districts scrambling. The committee also learned it has secured a $175,000 Fair Share Act earmark for the long-delayed campus amenities building, which will be drawn before CPC funds from Concord and Carlisle without changing the towns' approved ask. A parking complication tied to a proposed Beaty Center dry dive addition prompted a briefing but no vote, with the committee saying architects and the O'Donnell foundation would return with more detail.