Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Greenville reports 130 high‑school phone referrals, 86 offenders under state 'distraction‑free' mandate
Summary
District staff reported early outcomes from New York State’s 'distraction‑free' device mandate: 12 middle‑school referrals (11 offenders) and 130 high‑school referrals (86 offenders) since September, and a tiered consequence system including device confiscation, lunch detention and parent pickup for repeat offenders.
District staff reported to the board on Feb. 9, 2026, that the district’s implementation of New York State’s 'distraction‑free' environment mandate — which requires personal internet‑connected devices to be out of sight during the school day — has produced measurable referral data and a set of enforcement practices.
Presenters summarized the consequences embedded in the district’s code of conduct: first offenses result in devices being surrendered to the main office until the end of the school day; second offenses add a lunch detention; third offenses require a parent or guardian to pick up the device; and additional consequences (behavior contracts or privilege loss) are possible for repeat violations.
At the middle‑school level, staff reported 12 referrals and 11 offenders since September, most first‑time events. At the high‑school level, presenters reported 130 referrals involving 86 offenders: 57 first offenses, 18 second offenses, 7 third offenses and 4 students who have reached a fourth offense. "So that's kind of what we're seeing in high school level... out of those 130 referrals, there are 86 offenders," one presenter summarized.
Administrators described practical enforcement measures: the district uses 'yonder' pouches to securely store confiscated devices, documents referrals for consistency (to comply with state reporting), and provides supports for students who show signs of device dependence (for example, requiring daily check‑ins and allowing temporary loss of device privileges). They said teachers and parents have generally been supportive and that reminders are issued after extended breaks to reduce lapses.
Presenters said the policy has reduced classroom disruptions and provided a consistent, district‑wide approach that removes variability between individual teachers. Officials noted a handful of damaged pouches and some creative student workarounds but said the overall program is working and recommended continued reminders and data collection through the school year.
Provenance: Topic introduction at SEG 1169; data and enforcement discussion concluded at SEG 1376.
