Wilmington School Committee Advances Cell Phone App Pilot for Grades 6 Through 12

NEWBURYPORT — April 30, 2026 — Wilmington School Committee hears alarming mental health gaps for LGBTQ+ students, advances cell phone app pilot. The committee received results from the district's 2025 Youth Health Survey showing that 50 percent of transgender and gender diverse middle school students reported being bullied on school property, compared to 18 percent overall, and that LGBTQ+ middle schoolers were significantly more likely to report depression and suicidal ideation. JSI Research and Training Institute consultant Becca Malak presented data from 372 high school and 529 middle school respondents, noting that high school substance use declined more than 50 percent across all categories since 2019. The committee also heard a working group recommendation to pilot the Doorman phone-management application in grades 6 through 12 starting fall 2026 at a cost of approximately $7,000 for both school buildings, with member Patricia McCauley warning, "I have a very strong concern that we would tell students to load an app on their phone and then find out two years down the line that that data was being exported." No vote was taken on the cell phone proposal; the committee directed staff to compile licensing agreements and community FAQ materials before a formal decision, expected no later than the May 13 regular meeting.