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Penfield forms advisory committee to review proposed statewide cell‑phone ban in schools
Summary
The district convened a cell‑phone policy advisory committee to study Governor Hochul’s proposal that would ban unsanctioned smartphone use during the full school day; the committee will use ThoughtExchange for stakeholder feedback and plans a policy draft by May 22.
The Penfield Central School District has convened a district advisory committee to study a proposed statewide restriction on student smartphone use and to prepare a local implementation plan should the proposal become law.
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Mykonitza Perez said the district formed the committee proactively after learning Governor Kathy Hochul had proposed a full‑day restriction on unsanctioned smartphone and internet‑enabled personal device use on school grounds, including classroom time, lunch and study hall. The proposal also would provide implementation flexibility allowing schools to select a storage method for devices and would allocate $13,500,000 in state funding for schools to purchase storage solutions such as pouches or cubbies.
Perez described the advisory committee’s timeline: an initial foundation and exploration meeting on March 27, an analysis and brainstorming meeting scheduled for April 22, and a final meeting on May 22 to present a cell‑phone policy draft and implementation plan. She said the committee will review the district’s existing digital citizenship policy, examine policies from other districts, and solicit stakeholder feedback from students, staff and parents. The district announced a partnership with ThoughtExchange to gather community input.
Perez said the committee will consider communication needs for families and ensure a way for parents to contact students during the school day if necessary, as referenced in the governor’s proposal. She noted the state budget remained unsettled but said there was “a likelihood” the restriction could take effect for the coming school year.
Ending: The advisory committee’s next meeting is scheduled for April 22; a draft policy and implementation plan are planned for the May 22 committee meeting and then would be shared with the board and the community for further review.
