Albany City School District has taken significant steps to enhance student safety and focus during school hours by revamping its policy on personal electronic devices. During the Board of Education public meeting on June 26, 2025, the board discussed the new regulations that will prohibit smartphones and other internet-enabled devices, including "dumb phones," during the school day, in compliance with state education law.

The updated policy mandates that students will only use district-provided Chromebooks for educational purposes. In cases where a student's device is broken or lost, the district has established a process for students to borrow spare Chromebooks available in academy offices. However, students who bring their own devices will face consequences, as this is considered a violation of the code of conduct.

Building principals will have the discretion to allow phones for off-campus field trips, recognizing their potential necessity in those contexts. To manage device storage, elementary schools will utilize cubbies, while secondary schools will implement individual locked pouches for students' phones. Non-compliance with the storage request will result in phones being confiscated and securely stored until the end of the school day, without requiring parents to retrieve them.

The policy also includes exemptions for devices used for educational purposes, those outlined in a student's 504 or IEP plan, and devices necessary for managing health care. The administration is tasked with developing a regulation that specifies prohibited devices and outlines the process for families to obtain exemptions.

Furthermore, the district is committed to ensuring that all families, including those who do not speak English, have accessible methods to communicate with their children during school hours. The board emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding these changes and the need for a timeline on the implementation of the new regulations.

As Albany City School District moves forward with these policy changes, the focus remains on creating a conducive learning environment while addressing the diverse needs of its student population.