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Board agrees to workshop on classroom cell‑phone policy amid statewide attention
Summary
After a wide-ranging discussion of classroom distractions and student well‑being tied to national debate, the Greenville board agreed to hold a workshop to gather teacher and staff input before considering a local policy on cell‑phone use in classrooms.
Board members devoted an extended segment of the Sept. 16 meeting to whether Greenville should adopt a local cell‑phone policy after Governor Kathy Hochul put the issue on the state agenda and public debate intensified.
Mike Bennett said the administration is watching state action and local responses: “We’ll continue to monitor that,” he said, noting that the governor has not mandated a date. Several board members urged a proactive approach while acknowledging divided public sentiment.
One board member argued the problem lies with phone software and algorithms, not the devices themselves. “It’s the software that the kids are using...the algorithms and the software that they’re using, it’s definitely addicting,” the board member said, urging counseling and educational approaches.
Others emphasized safety and parent connectivity. A board member proposed a workshop to collect testimony from teachers and staff who manage phones daily; another suggested a policy framework such as a three‑strike removal of privileges or pouches to store devices. The chair said the board will convene a workshop and seek district staff input before taking any policy vote.
No policy was adopted at the meeting; board members agreed that teacher and frontline staff perspectives should shape any local rules and that the board will revisit the issue after the workshop.
