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Fairport board begins work on new smartphone policy after governor's order; questions remain on enforcement and lunch-time exceptions
Summary
Board members discussed a new policy to align with the governor's order limiting internet-connected personal devices in schools, raised concerns about enforcement, lunch/study-hall exceptions and accommodations for neurodiverse students, and scheduled policy committee review.
Fairport Central School District officials reviewed a draft smartphone policy the board is expected to adopt by August to comply with the governor's order restricting use of internet-connected personal devices in schools.
Board members and administrators said the draft policy aims to prohibit smartphone use during the school day except in narrowly defined circumstances, while allowing local administrators to set specific implementation details. The board will send the draft to the policy committee on June 13 for detailed review before moving toward an August adoption timeline.
Discussion at the May 27 meeting focused on several implementation questions: whether the policy applies "bell to bell" (prohibiting use in classrooms, hallways and cafeterias), precise language to distinguish smartphones from basic non-internet phones, how schools should store devices during the day, and how to ensure equitable treatment for students with individualized plans. Board members noted that the governor's language targets "internet-connected personal devices," and that older flip phones would not be covered in the same way.
Several board members voiced concern about enforcement and potential power struggles between staff and students if cafeteria and study-hall phone use is restricted. Members emphasized the "why" of the policy'centering student mental health and instructional engagement'but also cautioned that some students use devices to decompress, especially neurodiverse students who may need quiet time.
Administrators said they will consult legal counsel, review regulatory guidance, confer with building principals and unions, and prepare regulations and Q&A materials for the community. The district plans to retain flexibility where the law permits and to outline exceptions (for example, approved accommodations under Section 504 or individualized education plans) in the forthcoming regulations.
No formal board action was taken at the meeting; the item was presented as a discussion and the board asked administrators to bring a recommended regulation and communication plan to the policy committee on June 13.
