Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cell Phone Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Guilderland board weighs restricting student cell phones, plans community information sessions
Summary
Board members who attended a NYSUT conference recommended limiting classroom phone access; the board discussed pouch systems, medical exceptions, student voice and an estimated $110,000 implementation cost and agreed to host informational sessions and gather public input this fall.
Board members on Oct. 1 discussed possible limits on student cell-phone use in classrooms after several trustees returned from a conference that highlighted programs in other districts.
"I do definitely do see the positives of not having cell phones in the classroom," said Nina, a board member who reported on the NYSUT session, summarizing a panel she described as addressing phone "addiction" and developmental concerns. Several trustees said districts that have implemented systems reported tangible shifts in student engagement.
Superintendent Dr. Marie Wiles said the district had spoken with vendors and received a rough cost estimate for an all-in pouch system with unlocking stations. "We priced it out and, Andrew, you might have to correct me, but I think to do this, ... it was about $110,000 give or take," Dr. Wiles said, noting the expense is not budgeted for the current year.
Trustees discussed exceptions for medical needs and accommodations. "It would be an accommodation," a board member said, noting those cases typically require documentation and nurse involvement. Board members described pouch and Velcro options used elsewhere and the importance of preserving rapid access in emergencies and for students with health needs.
The board endorsed a multi-step approach rather than an immediate policy change: hold informational sessions for the community (including panelists from districts that have implemented pouches), gather public input through a ThoughtExchange or surveys, include student voice via forums, and consider costs during the regular budget development cycle. "Their recommendation is to host some kind of informational session for the community so that they can hear kind of what you heard at the conference before you start asking people what they think," Dr. Wiles said.
Board members also suggested inviting representatives from neighboring districts that have implemented pouches, a Yondr representative (vendor named at the conference), and the Guilderland Police Department to address safety and security concerns. The board indicated such outreach and information sessions could inform whether a midyear pilot or next-year budgeting would be appropriate.
Next steps: the board agreed to plan public information sessions and to collect community and student feedback before any formal policy or budget decision.
