AKRON SCHOOLS SETS INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICE POLICY IN MOTION

     At its July 9, 2025, Board of Education meeting, the Akron Central School District officially adopted Policy 7316: Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day, in response to a statewide mandate issued by Governor Hochul. This new requirement calls for all school districts to have a policy in place by August 1, 2025. Akron will begin full enforcement of this policy with the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
     The aspects of the policy mandated by the State included the restriction of devices during all instructional hours, including lunch, recess, study halls and passing time. The policy must apply to all personal internet-enabled devices (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, tablets). Exceptions to the policy must be made for students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), 504 Plans, or documented medical or legal needs. The policy must be clearly communicated to all staff and families.    
     The locally determined decisions reflect how and where devices are stored in each building, the development of multi-tiered consequences for policy violations, the systems used to support parent-child communication during the day, and the roll-out process and training provided to students and staff.
     The district recognizes that the topic may hold strong feelings for many and appreciates the input from the school community in the policy development process. More than 300 individuals responded to a school survey, and many students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators participated in a special meeting of our Policy Advisory Committee.
     “Their thoughtful contributions helped to shape the policy that complies with the law while reflecting the values and needs of the school community,” said Superintendent Andrea S. Kersten.
     Beginning in September 2025, students will not be permitted to use personal internet-enabled devices from the first bell through the end of 8th period, including lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time. Middle and High School students will be expected to keep devices turned off and secured in their lockers. Devices of Elementary School students will be turned off and stored in designated classroom or office storage.
     Exceptions are in place for students with specific educational or medical needs, emergencies, and unique family situations, such as student caregivers. These instances will be handled on a case-by-case basis with support from school counselors and staff.
     Students will still be able to use the school office phone – or a classroom phone, when appropriate – to contact home. Parents may also call the school’s main office to leave a message for their child. In addition, the district is currently researching a limited-access, Ed Law 2-D compliant communication app, that could allow for messaging between parents and students via school-issued Chromebooks. More information about this option will be shared in the coming months.
     To support a smooth rollout, students at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels will receive training on the new policy during classroom lessons and assemblies during the opening days of the school year. Faculty and staff will also be trained during the August 27^th and 28^th Superintendent Conference Days to ensure consistency and support.
     District administration will monitor the implementation closely and make recommendations for revision if needed. Beginning September 2026, the district will publish an annual report summarizing the enforcement of this policy, including demographic data (non-identifiable) and any action plans needed to address concerns of equity.
     Questions about the new policy and its implementation can be directed to the building principals or the superintendent’s office at (716)542-5006.  More information about the development of the policy can be found on the school’s website at www.akronschools.org.

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