BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. -- With the beginning of a new school year comes the debate over cell phones in the classroom.

“If you have them (cell phones) with you they must be in a purse or pocket and off during class,” said one Brooke County teacher to his students on Tuesday.

Brooke County Schools superintendent told NEWS9 Shelby Zarotney she’s given the go-ahead for cell phones in school. Mary Kay Degarmo said an incident last year reiterated why they have their policy. When a gunman went on a shooting spree not too far from Brooke High School, students were able to let their parents know they were safe and in lockdown.

“At that time we made a conscious decision to let parents know kids were not involved,” Degarmo said.

Degarmo went on to say the cell phones in schools are only for emergency purposes. “I’d rather handle annoyances than not be in contact when they need to.”

Parents are mixed on whether any school should allow cell phones.

“They shouldn’t be allowed to have them if it interrupts class,” said Vicki Kurensky.

“I think it should be OK to call parents," said Mary Clegg.