UTICA, NY – The Utica City School District hosted a Town Hall on August 27, 2025, at Thomas R. Proctor High School, where a small crowd of parents gathered to hear details about the state-mandated bell-to-bell cell phone and internet-enabled device ban. Superintendent Dr. Christopher Spence explained that the initiative is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Distraction-Free Schools Law and the SAFE for Kids Act, both designed to create distraction-free classrooms and reduce the risks associated with student use of addictive technologies.A video demonstration provided families with a step-by-step look at how the new policy will operate, from morning device collection and secure storage to dismissal at the end of the school day.
Dr. Spence outlined the district’s plan:
Grades 7–12: Devices will be turned in upon arrival and stored in locked pouches in a supervised room.
Grades K–6: Devices will be collected by classroom teachers and stored until dismissal.
All devices, including non-internet “basic phones,” will be collected daily and returned before students leave.
Dr. Spence emphasized that classrooms are fully equipped with Chromebooks and instructional technology, ensuring students have all the tools they need for learning without relying on personal devices. He added that the policy promotes classroom equity by standardizing access to technology and eliminating potential distractions.
The superintendent also reviewed the district’s tiered disciplinary approach for policy violations:
1st Offense: Device returned at end of day, parent notified.
2nd Offense: Parent must pick up the device.
3rd Offense: Detention, with parent pickup required.
4th & Subsequent Offenses: Additional measures per the Code of Conduct.
Suspension will not be used solely for violations of the phone policy. Dr. Spence noted that accommodations will be available for students with documented medical needs, IEPs, or 504 plans, and exceptions will be made for emergencies or other legitimate purposes.
The Utica City School District has posted complete information, FAQs, and a video demonstration of the policy on its website: www.uticaschools.org/nys-cell-phone-ban
