Student senate president Spencer Elliott urges student committee to refine phone-ban policy

Spencer Elliott, the district’s student senate president and Rhinebeck’s new nonvoting ex officio board member, told the Board of Education that the district’s phone ban has produced mixed reactions but tangible benefits: "Many students are more focused and engaged as they are less inclined to look at their phones," he said, and added that social interactions have increased in places such as the cafeteria and senior lounge.

Elliott acknowledged the ban is a "big transition" and said some students, especially during free periods, study halls and lunches, miss having phone access. He noted particular concerns for students who must coordinate with employers or family members and suggested creating a small student committee—possibly within student senate—to address concerns and provide feedback through the year. "It would be great if there was a place on campus where phones could be used in certain cases," Elliott said.

He also reported student-senate activities and logistics: seniors responded positively to assigned parking, the senate plans a volleyball tournament to build school spirit, and an upcoming Google form will collect student concerns ahead of early October meetings and student-senate elections later this month.

Why it matters: The student’s remarks are the first ex officio board report under the new state requirement for districts with high schools to include a nonvoting student member. Elliott’s suggestions—formal student feedback mechanisms and limited-use phone zones—signal how student voice may shape implementation of district policy going forward.