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Public calls for bell-to-bell cell‑phone ban at Albany board meeting
Summary
Parents, a pediatrician and members of a district task force urged the Albany City School District Board of Education to adopt a bell‑to‑bell student cell‑phone ban, citing classroom distraction, mental health and links to student fights. Board members pressed for logistics and noted the district is studying other districts’ experiences.
Dozens of residents and members of a district task force told the Albany City School District Board of Education that a firm, bell‑to‑bell ban on student cell phones would improve learning and safety. Public comment at the meeting focused on the proposed policy change; speakers included parents, a pediatrician and task‑force members who said the district should move ahead despite expected logistical challenges.
The first written comment read by the board came from Jennifer Lang, a parent and former board member, who said she supports “a cell phone ban for our students during academic hours in the City Albany City School District.” Another written commenter, Eliza Kent, wrote that “Our phones now feel as much part…
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