text: I agree that cell phones have no place in the classroom.  However, when the school decided to put a system in place to hold cell phones for students, they took that responsibility from the student.  If the school had an absolute policy to not allow cell phones then they would have no responsibility to replace or even care that your brother had his stolen.  Since they did implement a system to "hold" them for students, then they are accountable for the phone while it was in their possession.