Overview

• The neon‑green character is part of the statewide Team Phone Free campaign promoting New York’s new prohibition on smartphone use during the school day.
• The governor’s office declined to disclose mascot‑specific costs and said the broader compliance effort totals $13.5 million, including $4 million for New York City’s Department of Education.
• A casting call posted by T Creatives Casting on behalf of the state Office of General Services offered roughly $300 per event, minus a 10% agency fee, to non‑union performers.
• Materials described a non‑speaking, high‑energy role favoring mime, improv and dance, and outlined a school tour through late October with up to two events per day accompanying a government official.
• Educators and some parents called the mascot tone‑deaf for middle and high school audiences as Frankie Focus continues in‑person school appearances and builds a small social‑media presence.