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Board advances state-mandated ban on internet-enabled devices to public hearing stage
Summary
Following a state law passed in the 2025 budget, RCSD legal staff recommended a board policy banning internet-enabled devices during the school day with specified exceptions and storage requirements; the board moved the draft (policy 5695) forward for public input and additional readings.
The Rochester City School District board moved a draft policy on student and personal electronic devices forward on June 10 after legal staff explained a new state requirement and solicited initial board feedback.
General Counsel outlined the core requirement added to the 2025 state budget (Education Law 2803): districts must adopt a policy by Aug. 1, 2025, that bans use of internet-enabled devices during the school day except for specified exceptions (disabilities, medical needs, emergencies) and that sets methods for on-site storage and parent contact. The counsel said the sample policy circulated to boards statewide by NISBA (sample policy guidance) informed the draft; the board will hold additional public input and multiple readings before formal adoption.
Discussion focused on implementation mechanics, equity and cost. Board members and staff noted the policy language intentionally uses broad terms — “appropriate and designated storage container” — to allow schools flexibility (for example to use lockable pouches such as Yondr-style products, envelopes or other on-site systems) while meeting the statutory requirement. Some commissioners urged a district-wide uniform approach rather than school-by-school variation; others asked staff to clarify funding sources for any equipment and recommended a communications plan so families and students understand new expectations.
Superintendent Strickland said the district will develop a communications plan and that the communications office will lead outreach to students, families and staff. Board members discussed putting device-management expectations on the district legislative agenda and exploring uniform procurement options if the district decides to standardize equipment across schools.
The board voted to advance the draft policy (referred to in the meeting as policy 5695) to subsequent readings and a public hearing. The record shows the policy will proceed through the upcoming public processes required by law before final adoption and that staff will return with implementation guidance and a communication timeline.
The policy applies to “internet-enabled devices,” a category the counsel said includes smartphones, smartwatches and similar devices that can access the internet.
