Governor Meets w/ Stakeholders to Discuss Cellphones In Schools

Governor Hochul recently invited school leaders (SAANYS, NYS School Boards Association, NYS Council of School Superintendents, NYS PTA, NYSUT, and the Conference of Big 5 School Districts) to discuss minimizing cellphone distractions and the adverse impact of cell phones on students while in school.

The governor has been discussing these issues with the intent of introducing legislation calling for a “bell to bell” policy on personal internet devices throughout the school day. Kevin Casey, SAANYS executive director, attended the meeting and emphasized the need for flexible implementation of any new policies at the district level. SAANYS previously disseminated a survey on the issue. Survey results indicated that over 70 percent of respondents had cellphone policies and that most building administrators were favorable of such policies.