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Superintendent outlines implementation of statewide cell‑phone ban, summer meal sites and fall sports timeline
Summary
Superintendent Hockrider told the Albany City School District board the district is implementing the state’s new cell-phone-free policy at secondary schools this fall, piloted during summer programs; the district likewise confirmed summer meal sites, partnerships and fall sports registration and practice dates.
Superintendent Hockrider briefed the Albany City School District Board of Education on operational matters including implementation of New York State’s new prohibition on student cell phone use in schools, the district’s summer meal program and the fall athletics schedule.
On phones, Hockrider said the district planned and tested procedures in summer school at the high school and at three middle-school sites. At secondary schools, electronic devices — phones, earbuds and smartwatches — will be stored in a Yondr pouch and remain locked with students during the school day, with scheduled unlock times at dismissal. Elementary students are required to keep phones off and away during the day.
The district is developing an application process for students with medical exceptions and has worked with district counsel to adopt best practices. Hockrider said community forums are scheduled in August to inform parents and guardians about roll out and school-level procedures; details will be posted at albanyschools.org/boe.
On food, the district is offering breakfast and lunch at 11 school locations for city residents 18 and under during the summer, Monday through Friday, and the superintendent thanked partners including the Albany Fund for Education and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York for supporting supplemental distribution programs (including a backpack program) to ensure students have meals during non-school months.
On athletics, registration for fall sports begins July 18 and practices at the high school level start Aug. 18 (modified sports begin Aug. 28). The superintendent also encouraged families to consult the athletics site for open-gym and registration details.
Board members asked practical questions about medical exemptions and family communication during the school day; Hockrider said the district has an application process for medical exemptions and will communicate protocols for families (including non‑English speakers) at community forums.
The board adopted a block of appointment/designation/authorization motions at the start of the meeting (typical procedural actions), and later approved the routine consent agenda with no set-asides.
