Wayland declines school choice, advances cell phone restrictions for fall

WAYLAND — May 14, 2025 — Wayland School Committee declines school choice and pushes for tougher high school phone limits. The committee voted unanimously May 14 to opt out of the state school choice program, citing that Wayland's per-pupil cost exceeds the reimbursement cap. It also heard recommendations from a seven-meeting cell phone working group, including a roughly $21,000 plan to lock 700 Yondr pouches at the middle school each morning during homeroom. Superintendent David Fleischman said funding remains uncertain and that he will meet with the town manager. Members rejected the high school recommendation as too modest, with one saying "if it's not on fire, don't put it out," and directed staff to return with options for a "bell-to-bell" ban in ninth and 10th grades. Metro West survey data cited at the meeting showed 51 percent of high schoolers check their phones several times an hour during the school day.