Governor Hochul's Cell Phone Policy for NYS K-12 Schools

Dear Parents and Guardians:
Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul, announced that New York is to require statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools. New York State’s distraction-free schools policy will take effect this fall for the 2025-2026 school year. Governor Hochul’s cellphone policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:

• No unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods.
• Allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students.
• Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary.
• Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy.
• Prevents inequitable discipline.

This policy includes a number of exemptions, including the use of devices needed for a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or to manage a medical condition.

The district has been actively monitoring this situation since Governor Hochul first announced her intent to develop a plan for cell phone restrictions in schools this past fall. We will release more information as plans are finalized for next school year.

Best,

Julieanne D. Purcell
Executive Director of Technology