Greenville CSD session on cell phones shows support for a distraction-free environment

GREENVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Greenville Central School District hosted a community engagement session Wednesday to discuss the use of cell phones in schools. According to the district, the open forum discussion showed district residents including staff, supported a distraction-free learning space.

According to the district, 33 people including parents, faculty and board members attended the forum. The session began with Superintendent of Schools Michael Bennett providing an update on the State Budget.

Bennett said the governor's guidance is still considered a proposal until the budget is voted on and approved. According to the district, the policy must include:

• A written plan prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices by students during the school day, anywhere on school grounds, not including school-owned devices.
• One or more methods for parents/guardians to contact students during the school day. 
• One or more methods for on-site storage of student devices. This can include student lockers. 
• Exceptions including the use of personal internet-enabled devices for educational purposes, for management of student healthcare, in the event of an emergency, for translation services, individualized education programs, where required by law.
• The policy must be adopted by August 1, 2025. 
• The district must then electronically publish an annual report by September 1, beginning in 2026, outlining the effectiveness of the policy. 

At the forum, Bennett said if the proposal gets approved, it will become a law, and the district will have no choice but to comply. He also shared the district would be looking at other districts to see what strategies have been successful for them.

One community member suggested Yondr pouches, magnetic pouches that students can put their phone in at the beginning of the day and use a magnet at the end of the day to get their phone again. An employee suggested converting unused locker space into small “tech” lockers, where students can store their devices for the day.

Questions from the forum included how a personal technology ban would work, where the devices would be stored, what disciplinary measures would be taken for those who do not comply, how can parents contact their student, what support will teachers need, and what would the best course of action be for Greenville.

At the forum, the board asked the group if they believe something needed to change, regardless of the governor mandates. Many community members agreed.

Currently, there is no personal cell phone policy in the district, it's up to the classrooms to decide if they allow cell phone use or not. In areas like the lunchroom, in study hall and in transition periods, devices are permitted.

Although no one at the session spoke in opposition, a board member said parents have come to her personally to say they will not support the cell phone ban. Another board member shared he wished those in opposition attended the forum so the board could hear all sides to the argument.

To see a full recap of the engagement session, visit the school district's website. The recap includes a summary of questions and responses on the proposal.