NYC schools chancellor wants more money to enforce state cell phone ban - but about half of schools already have them

New York City's Schools Chancellor, Melissa Aviles-Ramos, criticized Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed budget allocation of $13.5 million to restrict cellphone use in schools as insufficient. The chancellor advocates for more funding to utilize magnetic locking bags, which cost around $30 each per student annually, significantly exceeding the budget's $10 per student provision. Despite nearly half of the city's schools already enforcing phone restrictions, the chancellor's testimony reveals concerns over costs and implementation. Teacher union President Mulgrew opposed spending on expensive pouches, suggesting collective negotiation for affordable options.

"We want to make sure that we offer the option of those pouches, those magnetic bags. Those are roughly $30 a child and that's an annual fee."

"We're not paying $38 for a pouch. All the school districts should say no," United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said.

Read at New York Post