Governor mandates new cell phone restrictions for New York schools

The Albany City School District held a public meeting on February 27, 2025, to discuss various pressing issues, including new state mandates on cell phone usage in schools and legislative priorities for the upcoming budget.

The meeting began with an update from district officials regarding guidance received from the governor, which mandates restrictions on cell phone use both inside and outside classrooms. The district acknowledged inconsistencies in its current cell phone policy, noting that while some schools have completely banned cell phones, others have allowed limited use. A survey conducted among families revealed that 62% supported restrictions, while 31% opposed them, primarily due to concerns about emergency communication with their children.

The committee proposed a plan to restrict cell phone use during the school day, including lunch and study halls, with specific exceptions for emergencies. They also highlighted the need for storage solutions for cell phones, as the governor's budget allocated $15 million statewide, which is deemed insufficient for over 700 school districts. The district is actively engaging with families to communicate expectations and gather feedback as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

In addition to cell phone policies, the meeting addressed the district's legislative priorities. Representatives from the district met with lawmakers to discuss a new foundation aid formula that aligns with the changing demographics and needs of students. Other priorities included reducing charter school oversaturation, expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs to include ninth graders, and increasing funding for mental health services and pre-kindergarten programs.

The chair of the meeting emphasized the importance of local flexibility in implementing the governor's cell phone policy, noting that different districts have unique challenges and needs. The discussions underscored the collaborative efforts of the "Big 5" school districts in New York, which include Albany, New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, to advocate for equitable education funding and policies.

As the meeting concluded, officials reiterated the urgency of finalizing the budget and legislative decisions, as the new school year is just seven months away. The district plans to continue engaging with families and lawmakers to ensure that the needs of students and the community are met effectively.