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Candidates back implementation of Hochul 'bell-to-bell' phone ban; district plans pouch system
Summary
At the forum candidates discussed implementing Governor Hochul's bell-to-bell no-cell-phone policy, saying administrators have researched models and the district plans a pouch or single-point-entry system for locking phones during the school day.
Candidates at the Cohoes City School District forum said they support implementing New York’s bell-to-bell no-phone guidance and described how the district might do it.
The question referenced Governor Kathy Hochul’s bell-to-bell no cell phone policy. Candidates said the school board’s role would be to support administration and staff as they plan and implement the policy rather than to write the day-to-day enforcement rules.
"It's the board of education's role to back our staff and make sure that they have what they need to make this a successful endeavor," a candidate said, describing a collaborative approach. Susan Guzzi Paradis, a current board member, outlined a concrete plan under consideration: "We will be going to a pouch system for the kids, a single point of entry. They will be able to lock their phones up when they walk in and unlock them when they leave." She added that administrators have visited other districts that have implemented similar policies.
Other candidates emphasized listening to teachers, staff and parents when crafting district-level rules so that any policy would be enforceable in Cohoes classrooms. Candidates said the board should fund staff training and support administrators who pilot procedures.
The candidates’ comments were part of a public forum and do not represent a formal board decision or a district policy vote. Voters were reminded that the district budget and board elections are scheduled May 20.
