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Penfield committee weighs three options for complying with state cell-phone restriction
Summary
The district’s Cell Phone Policy Advisory Committee reviewed Governor Hochul’s proposed cell-phone restriction and explored three collection/storage options — Yondr pouches, school lockers, and point-of-entry collection — while planning further student and community engagement before finalizing a district plan.
The Penfield Central School District’s Cell Phone Policy Advisory Committee reported progress at the May 27 board meeting as the district prepares for an expected statewide restriction on student phone use announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Educational Services staff member Ms. Perez said the committee of roughly 40 stakeholders met three times starting in March to review research, analyze logistics, and collect stakeholder feedback via ThoughtExchange. “As of now, you know, we have Governor Hochul’s bell to veil cell phone restriction approved, but there has not been any specific guidance from the state,” Perez said, summarizing the committee’s work and next steps.
The group explored three operational options: assigning Yondr-style lockable pouches students carry during the day; using existing lockers to store phones; and collecting phones at point of entry and redistributing them at dismissal. Perez said each option raises different logistical needs and staffing questions and that the district would avoid assigning that distribution work to classroom teachers.
Board members raised practical concerns such as pouch durability, student attempts to defeat pouches and increased calls to school offices from parents who previously texted students during the day. Ms. Perez said the committee will continue student engagement (including a high-school advisory meeting), run further ThoughtExchange surveys for families and staff, and develop an implementation plan with ongoing communication and training for students, families and staff.
No final policy was adopted at the meeting; the committee plans more stakeholder feedback before recommending a district approach.
