The East Ramapo Central School District (ERCSD) is moving forward with a new cell phone usage policy after a recent public hearing and special meeting held on August 1, 2025. The urgency for this policy stems from a state requirement that mandates its implementation by August 1, which the district is now striving to meet.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the policy had not undergone the usual review process by the policy committee prior to its presentation to the board. Concerns were raised regarding the alignment of the proposed policy with the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) guidelines. Specific elements, such as required local notices and definitions, were noted as missing from the draft, prompting discussions about the need for revisions.

The board acknowledged that many school districts are in similar situations, seeking waivers for the first reading of their policies to comply with state regulations. Legal counsel and the executive team have reviewed the policy, and input was gathered from various stakeholders, including community members, students, and educators. However, some board members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency regarding the feedback collected from surveys, indicating that it had not been shared with the board.

The discussion highlighted the importance of having a robust policy in place, with the possibility of making adjustments as needed in the future. The board is committed to ensuring that the policy remains a "living document," allowing for ongoing updates and improvements based on community feedback and changing regulations.

As the district works to finalize the policy, the focus remains on compliance and the effective management of cell phone usage within schools, aiming to create a conducive learning environment for all students. The next steps will involve addressing the identified gaps in the policy and ensuring that it meets both legal requirements and community expectations.