Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes, Columbia High School Principal Michael Harkin and Social Studies Teacher and EGTA President Dan Wagner attended a roundtable discussion regarding Distraction-Free Schools with Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday (photo courtesy NYS Governor’s Office).

The East Greenbush Central School District participated in a roundtable discussion with Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday regarding New York’s new Distraction-Free Schools law. Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes, Columbia High School Principal Michael Harkin, and Social Studies Teacher and EGTA President Dan Wagner represented the district at the event, held at the New York State United Teachers headquarters in Latham.

East Greenbush CSD was one of only four school districts from across the state to attend the event, which provided an opportunity for school administrators and teachers to discuss the implementation of phone-free schools directly with Governor Hochul and state legislators.

The new state law, effective this September, prohibits all smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices in K-12 schools from the start to the end of the school day.

“As Governor, my priority is ensuring every New York student receives a high-quality education, free from constant clicking and scrolling – that’s why I’ve directed my team to commit every available resource for school districts to develop their distraction-free learning policies by the August 1 deadline,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m encouraged by my discussion with Capital Region school districts that have already implemented their distraction-free policy, and I am confident that New York will be ready to implement bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions on the first day of school.”

School districts across New York must submit their individual Distraction-Free School policies by August 1 to ensure they are in place for the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

East Greenbush CSD’s policy was the result of extensive research and development by a dedicated Cell Phone Committee throughout the 2024-25 school year. The Board of Education adopted the policy at a public meeting on July 9 and it has since been submitted to the state.

During the roundtable, both Mr. Harkin and Mr. Wagner, who are members of the Cell Phone Committee, shared details about the East Greenbush CSD policy and its expected benefits for students and the overall learning environment. The policy will be implemented in the following manner:

• Columbia
  • Each student will be provided with a Yondr pouch that secures their phone so it cannot be used during the school day.
  • Upon entering school, students will turn their phone off, place the phone inside of the Yondr pouch, and lock it in front of the designated staff.
  • The pouches will be unlocked at the end of the school day at several designated locations within the building.
• Goff
  • No change to current practice. Goff has been phone-free for two years with positive results.
  • Students must keep their cell phones and other personal electronic devices stored in their locker during the school day.
• Elementary Schools
  • If students have a cell phone or personal electronic device, they are encouraged to keep them at home.
  • If students bring their devices to school, they need to be stored in their backpacks.

“As an educator I am very optimistic about having a distraction free classroom to help form stronger relationships with students and I can’t wait to see students form stronger connections with each other as this ban is throughout the school day,” Mr. Wagner said. “From our visits with other school districts who have already enacted the ban, the benefits of removing smart phones creates an environment where people can interact more and form authentic relationships. I am confident that East Greenbush will benefit as well and I look forward to a great school year with less distractions and more learning.”

Mr. Harkin discussed how the district is communicating with families this summer to ensure a smooth transition when schools reopen in September.

“Columbia is excited to start the year as a distraction free school,” Mr. Harkin said. “The removal of phones allows our faculty to focus on educating and supporting our students.”

More information about the East Greenbush CSD Distraction-Free Schools policy can be found at www.egcsd.org/distractionfreeschools.