The Sherburne-Earlville Central School District will host a Community Forum to discuss banning cell phones during school hours. The meeting will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, in the middle school/high school auditorium and all are welcome to join. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

SHERBURNE — The Sherburne-Earlville Central School District will host a Community Forum next week to discuss banning cell phones during school hours.

The meeting will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, in the middle school/high school auditorium and all are welcome to join. If attendance is not possible, emailed opinions are acceptable and can be sent to bersonr@seonline.org

“The purpose of the community forum is to review current policy and protocols, learn from panel members the impact of smartphones at S-E, and provide the opportunity for students and parents to provide suggestions and share concerns that will help inform their process,” said Sherburne-Earlville Central School District Superintendent Robert Berson.

“The impact of smartphones at Sherburne-Earlville is presenting the same challenges that schools across the nation are facing, said Berson. “Smartphones are negatively impacting the academic and social-emotional wellness of our students.”

“There have been challenges with students using smartphones and or smart devices during class,” he said. “Nurturing an engaging, hands-on learning environment at Sherburne-Earlville is essential and smartphones represent a significant distraction.”

“The district is not introducing Yondr pouches in 2024-2025,” said Berson.

He said based on current research, local, and national data, the district will be revising their accessibility and use of smartphones and district-issued devices.