The Greater Albany Public Schools Board voted to adopt policy JFCEB on personal electronic devices at its regular meeting, directing staff to implement a districtwide rule that phones be “off and away” for the instructional day. The board approved the policy in a voice vote after discussion about scope, enforcement and communications.

Superintendent Andy Gardner explained the policy follows the governor's executive order on devices and said the district intends to make the change effective for the school year. “Phones will be off and away at that point in time,” Gardner said, describing the district's expectation that devices be stored in backpacks, lockers or pockets as students enter school buildings.

Board members discussed logistics and enforcement. Administrators said the policy will cover passing time and lunch because the district treats the full school day as instructional time under the governor's guidance. Staff emphasized the policy will not authorize exclusionary discipline for device possession alone; administrators may treat behavior that rises to insubordination or defiance under existing conduct policies.

Board members requested signage and a clear communication plan for families. The superintendent and staff said they will distribute districtwide notices, ask schools to include expectations in beginning‑of‑year lessons and place visible signs in buildings. The district will post implementation details on its website and provide building‑level guidance to ensure consistent enforcement across classrooms and schools.

Board members also asked that building‑level staff and teachers apply the expectation consistently so students see the same rules across classes. The superintendent said elementary, middle and high schools face different operational challenges — for example, younger students may use smartwatches — and the district will include level‑specific guidance in the administrative procedures.

The policy passed with an affirmative voice vote. Staff will return with implementation materials and the administrative rules that set out exceptions, staff responsibilities and communications.