During the 2024-25 school year, recognizing that a policy restricting cell phones in public schools was likely to be put into place, Niskayuna CSD district leaders proactively took the opportunity to engage its core stakeholder groups to collect feedback.
Our district held meetings with staff, students and families, to discuss potential impacts and barriers to implementing this type of policy in our district. The feedback from our community will be in mind as the district and board develop a policy.
The district used the input gathered from the school community to better understand how cell phones are used in our schools and how a change in use policy will affect the community.
The following in-person engagement sessions were held during the school year.
- Staff Cell Phone Forum – Monday, Dec. 9, 3:30 p.m., at the Little Theater at Niskayuna High School
- Student Cell Phone Forum – Jan. 13, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., at the Little Theater at Niskayuna High School
- Parent/Family Cell Phone Forum – Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Auditorium at Niskayuna High School (Also live streamed and archived on the district YouTube Channel.)
During the engagement sessions, the district also used the online software ThoughtExchange to better understand the thoughts and priorities of each stakeholder group.
The question asked of each of the groups:
What do you see as barriers for the implementation of a successful cell phone restriction policy in Nisky? What should district leaders consider before developing a policy?
View the ThoughtExchange Results
- Parents/Families ThoughtExchange Results
- Students ThoughtExchange Results
- Staff ThoughtExchange Results
The board of education held its organizational meeting on July 1, and reviewed the proposed cell phone policy at that meeting. District officials crafted the policy in accordance with state law, while using vital community feedback gathered over the course of the school year from stakeholder groups, including staff, students and families. The agenda and supporting materials are posted here for those who are interested in reviewing the information.
Once a policy is adopted, we will continue to share information about implementation with our community. Our community is also welcome to email questions or concerns to communications@niskyschools.org.