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Student ex officio urges reconsideration of state phone ban, calls for device carve-outs
Summary
Andrew David, the district—s newly introduced student ex officio, told the board the statewide student cell‑phone ban limits access to devices that better support lengthy coursework and vocational tasks and urged targeted allowances for instructional use.
Andrew David, introduced by the board as the district—s student ex officio, told the Massena Central School District board on Aug. 14 that a statewide ban on student cell phones restricts access to devices some students need for advanced coursework and vocational programs.
David said Chromebooks sometimes lack the performance needed for long, complex assignments — for example, IB internal assessments that can reach 20–30 pages. "It is some something of an impossibility to scroll through the entire document in 10 minutes on a Chromebook," he said, and suggested that tablets or laptops are more practical for certain tasks. He also noted vocational program uses, citing BOCES and EMT examples where mobile apps replace multi‑binder job aids.
Board members acknowledged the concern but pointed to research and mental‑health rationales behind the state policy. One member said the law was intended to create "distraction‑free classrooms" and that the district—s "hands are essentially tied" while the rule is in state effect. Another board member and administrators said they had been persuaded by both sides, noting both the potential instructional value of devices and the reasons for limiting in‑classphone access.
The chair and others discussed the possibility of state‑level carve‑outs or future regulatory adjustments that would allow targeted exceptions for approved instructional uses. No formal action was proposed at the meeting; the discussion concluded with suggestions to route the topic through student leadership, district committees and, if appropriate, state representatives.
The board did not vote on any policy change during the meeting. The chair invited continued student input and said the district will monitor state guidance on the ban.
