NEWFIELD, NY (607NewsNow) — Students at Newfield Middle School and Newfield High School will have to keep all devices that connect to the internet and Bluetooth in their lockers.

Superintendent Jesse Harper tells 607 News Now it builds on a policy in the district that already exists.

Harper says it’s made the transition easier. The revised policy puts the Newfield Central School District in compliance with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s mandate to create ‘distraction-free’ classrooms for students. The 2025-26 school year begins next week.

FULL INTERVIEW: Newfield Central School District Superintendent Jesse Harper on Ithaca’s Morning News