Albany students return to schools. Their phones can't.

Our summary

As Greater Albany Public Schools opened the 2025-26 year, stricter smartphone rules took effect in middle and high schools, extending the ban beyond class time to passing periods and lunch. The board adopted the policy in August to comply with the governor's executive order, though some local leaders said they disliked the top-down mandate. Students still use school Chromebooks in class, and exemptions exist for IEPs, medical orders, and family requests.