On March 30, Lexington High School released a new phone home policy, now mandating mortgages for students to reserve their spots. With real estate prices on the rise, school officials have deemed the decision necessary to pay for the construction of the new high school building.
“First off, we understand that not all students take AP Econ. A mortgage is a large loan taken on property like phone homes, allowing buyers to secure the property without paying the entire sum up front,” Paymi Leighter, the town treasurer and LHS Economics curriculum advisor, explained.
Many students have expressed concern over the long‑term financial commitment required to secure housing for their devices.
“I never wanted my phone to move out of my pocket,” Munhi Neided, a sophomore, said. “Now I have to choose between getting a 15-year loan or letting it live on the streets.”
Parents share similar sentiments, as they will be required to co‑sign most phone home loans due to students lacking sufficient credit history. Some families have already begun refinancing existing household mortgages to accommodate the added financial burden.
“I never thought I’d be discussing interest rates about my child’s phone,” parent Abit Broke said. “It’s strange moving conversations away from Aspen and classes.”
Already, students are making efforts to sidestep the new regulations, with some going to extreme lengths.
“Personally, I’ve started reducing my course load so I don’t have to take as many loans. Fewer classes mean fewer phone homes. My friend even got arrested for mortgage fraud, and his phone is currently awaiting trial, facing three to five cycles in the dean’s office,” Neided said.
According to Leighter, the value of phone homes is determined by their prime location, size, and neighborhood desirability. Phone homes located closer to classroom doors have already seen dramatic value increases, while less desirable units near the back of the room have been labeled as “affordable housing.”
Administrators have encouraged students to act quickly to secure favorable rates before available housing dwindles and prices ramp up further.
“The phone housing market is extremely competitive right now,” Assistant Principal Grant Medakeys said. “We recommend students lock in their mortgages early, especially if their phones have good credit.”
In response to complaints, school officials emphasized that the new policy will play a critical role in funding the construction of the new LHS building.
“Every mortgage brings us one step closer to a bigger and better school,” Leighter explained. “This is an investment not only in our school, but in the long‑term stability of students and their devices.”
Despite reassurances, some students remain skeptical. Senior Lowen Trestrate reported that his phone is currently living in temporary housing while he waits for mortgage approval.
“They said it could take up to 30 business days. Until then, my phone is technically homeless,” Trestrate said.
School officials confirmed that students who fail to secure phone homes will still be required to comply with the existing phone home policy, though alternative options such as short‑term rentals and phone shelters are currently under review.
Construction of the new school building is expected to be completed in 2141, at which point officials say students may have the opportunity to refinance.
“Right now, with inflation on the rise, options are limited. If students want the best education possible for their great-grandchildren, they’re going to need to contribute now,” Medakeys said.
