Newark schools ban cellphones, address immigration concerns
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Newark Public Schools began the 2026-27 school year with a district-wide ban on cellphones for its 43,200 students.
Superintendent Roger León visited schools on the first day, prioritizing student attendance, which improved to 8.5% during the last school year after years of double-digit rates. The cellphone ban follows a successful pilot program and aims to increase student focus and face-to-face interaction. León also addressed concerns from Newark families about increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
Newark Public Schools offers counseling to students and parents affected by immigration issues and maintains a section on its website with immigrant rights information and emergency plans. The district seeks to assure the immigrant community that schools remain safe and welcoming. Beyond the ban and immigration response, the district is also implementing other changes.
Bard High School Early College is sharing its building with the first class of New Media High School, a new school focused on training students for careers in film and media production. This aligns with León’s ten-year strategy to improve schools, infrastructure, and curriculum.
