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Candidates debate cell phone rules and urge support for teacher PD on classroom technology
Summary
Forum participants weighed in on district device policies, opposing a rigid bell‑to‑bell phone ban and calling for teacher training, updated policies and digital literacy to help students use technology responsibly.
Candidates at the Somers forum discussed how district policy should address student devices, classroom technology and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence.
On cell phones, several candidates supported school‑level rules that limit classroom use rather than a statewide “bell‑to‑bell” ban. Chadwick Olson said current practice — requiring phones to be kept put away during class — has produced positive feedback and called for continued local decision‑making: “I don't think this is something that needs to come from the state. This is something that we're doing a good job on our own.” Olson warned that a strict bell‑to‑bell ban could be hard to enforce and create circumvention problems.
Candidates also urged continued professional development for teachers on digital literacy and tools. Amanda Kandel said teachers and curriculum leaders are working with new state digital literacy guidance and called for ongoing professional development and instruction for students on appropriate use: “We have to continue to support the PLD [professional development] for the teachers as well as teaching the children how to use everything appropriately.”
Yifei Chang framed responsible device use as a discipline and self‑control issue and said schools should educate students about appropriate timing and purpose for devices. Panelists agreed that technology is integral to modern learning and that policies must balance opportunity, enforcement feasibility and student development.
No district policy changes were adopted at the forum; candidates recommended continued review of guidance, teacher training and community engagement.
