The Board of Education meeting held on June 28, 2025, in New York focused on the ongoing discussions surrounding the implementation of new policies regarding student phone usage in schools. A significant theme emerged around the balance between cost-effective solutions and those requiring substantial financial investment.

During the meeting, various solutions were proposed to address the issue of phone usage during instructional time. The first group of responses highlighted a preference for free solutions, such as utilizing existing student lockers for phone storage. Feedback from parents and students indicated that lockers could serve as a sufficient and cost-free option, provided that phones remain off during school hours.

In contrast, the second group of responses suggested solutions that would incur costs, such as the use of medically sealed pouches or specialized locking devices. One example mentioned was a system implemented in a nearby district, which involved using pouches from a company called Yonder. Additionally, there were suggestions for developing software that could manage phone access during emergencies, although this would likely require funding for development.

The third group of responses expressed a desire to maintain the current policy, which aligns with the new law mandating a focus on instructional time without devices. However, the board acknowledged that the existing policy no longer complies with recent legal changes, necessitating a revision.

The meeting also addressed concerns raised by community members, including questions about handling medical emergencies and the use of phones for educational purposes, such as in photography classes. The board emphasized that students with legitimate medical needs would be exempt from the phone restrictions.

In summary, the board is preparing to revise its phone policy in response to new legal requirements, with a strong preference among community feedback for no-cost solutions. The board plans to conduct a second reading of the policy and aims for approval by July 1, ensuring compliance with the law by the August 1 deadline for posting the updated policy online. Notably, while the state has allocated $13.5 million to assist districts in implementing these changes, a mechanism for accessing these funds has yet to be established.