Cell phones should not be allowed in the school building during class periods. Put a valet at the doors, and all phones are surrendered and tagged and shelved until the student leaves the building. If they need to make calls, they can go to the office and make a call on the school phone just like the rest of us did. It'd be a good job for the superintendent that isnt doing anything about education.
Folks, this site is about freedom. If a parent wants their kid to have a cell phone a school that should be up to the parent.
Cell phones should be off during class? Absolutely. Who is arguing students should be able to use their cell phones during class? Between classes, at lunch, before and after school they should be able to call their friends, family, work, whatever.
Cell phones used to cheat on tests? Give me a break. If a teacher can't notice someone text messaging during a test they need a brain scan to see if they are alive.
Checking in and out 1,600 cell phones each day before and after school? Does this really need a comment?