Cellphones in schools, ICE, Nassau tax assessments, traffic enforcement

Cellphone ban can build better schools

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban sends a clear message: Students deserve classrooms that foster learning, connection, and focus — not constant scrolling [“Hochul: Smartphone ban will begin in new school year,” News, May 7]. It’s a timely and necessary shift that prioritizes students’ well-being over digital distraction.

But as New York’s school communities prepare to implement this policy, we must lead not just with compliance but with compassion, too. This moment calls for more than storage pouches and procedures. It calls for conversations — with parents, teachers, and students — about boundaries, balance, and the purpose of school in a digital age.

Implementation must be thoughtful and inclusive. Policies should reflect developmental needs, avoid inequitable discipline, and provide ways to communicate in emergencies. Most of all, this must not appear to be about punishment — it must be about creating environments where students can truly be present.

In getting this right, we have the chance to do more than ban phones. We have the chance to build better schools.

— Shawn K. Wightman, Roosevelt

The writer is superintendent of Roosevelt Union Free School District.

Do be alarmed by actions taken by ICE

I am so in sync with the reader who fears that her family and friends need to be looking over their shoulders as they go about daily activities [“A big target is on their backs,” Musings, May 12]. I worry about my family and friends who are persons of color. Some are citizens, born in the United States, and a few have green cards. One overzealous militant contracted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can get any one of us.

Just because of someone’s skin color or a tattoo, a person can be kidnapped and disappear with no trace. This is America, not Nazi Germany or Russia. All Americans should be alarmed and angry because no one’s family members are immune.

This unlawful, unconstitutional process must be sent the message that people cannot disappear because of some fantasy cosplay. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, ICE acting director Tom Homan, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are acting on uncivilized tendencies, along with the Project 2025 architects.

We were warned about Project 2025 last year, and many said it can’t happen here. Well, it is happening now. I’m so disappointed with Americans who are letting these actions prevail over common sense and morality.

— Michelle Urso, West Babylon

Fix tax assessments: another empty pledge

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman campaigned to fix the broken property assessment system [“80% who contest get settlements,” News, May 5]. He has failed to do so and has frozen the tax rolls for the fifth straight year.

People like me who challenge my property assessment each year and win shift the burden to those who don’t challenge their property assessment. This is the same rabbit hole that former County Executive Edward Mangano got us into. Former County Executive Laura Curran had the courage to do a countywide reassessment.

I am not the first one to admit that my assessment doesn’t reflect reality. But my assessment continues to be reduced year after year. I estimate my house is on the assessment rolls at about two-thirds of its actual value. This is ridiculous.

We need an accurate property assessment that is fair to all. But it’s too late for Blakeman to do it during this term in office, which is ending soon. It’s a campaign promise unfulfilled.

— Chris Inguanta, Valley Stream

As I write this, I have my 2023, 2024 and 2025 property taxes in front of me. I see that every year they have increased, so why does our county executive keep sending us mailings stating that he has frozen our property taxes for the past four years?

— Chris Viola-Weiss, Oceanside

Step up enforcement on our parkways

The only thing that will help address reckless driving is law enforcement, especially on the Southern State Parkway where enforcement doesn’t seem to exist [“Reckless drivers must be stopped,” Editorial, May 11].

Every time I drive on the parkway, at least one car blows past me in excess of 90 mph, usually weaving through traffic. Law enforcement must be pressured to finally put an end to this. Lives depend on it.

— John Tramontano, Valley Stream

Individuals who have had their licenses suspended have obviously violated some part of state motor vehicle rules and, in many cases, multiple times “Unlicensed on LI’s roads,” News, May 4]. Now, they have the audacity to complain about how hard it is to have it reinstated. It’s simple — if they obey the rules of the road and regulations that govern licenses, they won’t have an issue.

— Mike Baard, Merrick