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Administrators report mostly smooth start after new state-mandated cell-phone policy
Summary
At the Sept. 15 board meeting, building administrators reported early effects of a state-mandated cell-phone policy: teachers and principals said classrooms are more focused and some students are resistant; the district described accommodations and plans to monitor impacts on attendance and grades.
Building administrators told the Greenville Central School District Board on Sept. 15 that the district's new state-mandated cell-phone policy appears to be producing more classroom engagement while prompting some student resistance.
"Classrooms are already buzzing around with engagement and energy," said the high-school administrator, reporting an enrollment of about 320 students and saying teachers have noticed fewer distractions and more student interaction with peers and instruction. The administrator acknowledged a small number of students experiencing anxiety and said staff are offering alternatives — for example, hardwired headphones for work on Chromebooks and supervised phone use in counselor or office spaces — for students who use phones for emotional support or quick family contact.
Middle- and elementary-school administrators described similar early experiences. Middle-school administrator Brian Zichanesh said transitions and routines have smoothed and that he had "not had a single adult come to me yet with a student having the cell phone out in middle school." Ellis Elementary's administrator said staff are implementing curriculum and supports alongside the policy.
Board members asked whether there are measurable effects on attendance or grades; administrators said it is too early to see clear grade-level trends but suggested they will continue to monitor and report back. The district noted teacher orientation and parent communication were part of the rollout and said staff would continue outreach and follow-up.
