[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6522811,"mediaKeyId","5067029-34185310cf3c0dbfdfca32a903c638da","parentId",5067029,"title","Arlington board hears detailed plan to implement New York—state—\"bell-to-bell\" ban on internet-enabled devices","audioSeconds",2430,"startMs",2576000,"endMs",5006000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5067029-34185310cf3c0dbfdfca32a903c638da&start=2576&end=5006","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5067029-34185310cf3c0dbfdfca32a903c638da/thumbnail_2576000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6522811/New-York/Arlington-board-hears-detailed-plan-to-implement-New-Yorkstatebell-to-bell-ban-on-internet-enabled-devices","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522811-2067331d9965d4e67448365d9d4b7d64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120624&Signature=dri6wWQrPDdhtEwJyiJnmcgg4VzB8ckmCRAA8tXd~wrg036Oy6gQP7EmivEQa7bgt~BJPaCfTxJI2gwqoMEtjnrkikl0nLheSmayUbn5ohRUVPGm-BMlRuKMKzIW~BFHV4c~flaBFvwwnb5gyC5FobwGW1knKJcBTlkQENlzyWuYhc19WGRodYB3X-~MQknhZypQ-dUwsmrAFk4p0D63E3PP7kE8UYTDkXnD69MxhV3Fm8ljPLciAZ-MzyFORZo0u~JF4sux3UvIS-VxhWnoFWkb7DfMx~G8pWrgOELYQZxbTfAGhd0xaFPZlfOb2dVmmvGhwmnIf3VBTJWdChjuVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arlington Central School District","date","2025-06-25T13:20:07Z","article","Arlington Central School District administrators told the board on a lengthy agenda item that they are preparing procedures to implement a New York state law that will prohibit students from using internet-enabled devices \"bell to bell\" when school resumes in September. The district must submit its plan to the state by Aug. 1.

The district convened a committee of administrators, teachers, parents and students to draft procedures after the state budget included the device restriction. \"This is a New York state law. It is going into effect in September, and we, as a district, have to submit our plan to the state by August 1,\" said John Murphy, the administrator leading the district\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000device-policy effort. Murphy said the law covers cellphones, smartwatches, tablets and gaming devices but allows exceptions for students with IEPs or 504 plans and for true emergencies.

Why it matters: The change alters a long-standing local approach that previously allowed varying phone use by zone or time of day. Administrators said the shift will be most disruptive at the high school, where some practices and staff routines will change, and that the district is aiming for a graduated, supportive implementation rather than an across-the-board physically pouched model.

Principals and department leaders have reviewed draft procedures, Murphy said, and the district has solicited teacher and student feedback. \"It is a bell to bell from from when the students get off the bus until they get back on the bus... it is no Internet connected devices,\" Murphy said. He described planned exceptions for device use: students with documented needs in IEPs or 504 plans, English-language learners who require translation, and verified medical uses.

On enforcement, the district favors a tiered response rather than immediate, mandatory pouching for all students. Murphy described a sequence: encourage student compliance, offer voluntary secure pouches for students who request them, provide pouching for students who repeatedly cannot keep devices off and away, and finally have administrators retain devices for repeated noncompliance. He said the district has been consulting vendors and reviewed options that range from vendor-mandated whole-school solutions to smaller, needs-based inventories. \"Yondr will only sell you a pouch if you buy them for everyone,\" Murphy said, noting other vendors that allow districts to buy smaller quantities.

Board members and administrators discussed student anxiety, family communication and emergency procedures. Sofia Bonet Hollis asked how the district will support students who experience anxiety from device restriction. Murphy said some studies show decreases in student anxiety after reducing phone use, but acknowledged parents will feel \"anxiety\" about losing direct contact and recommended building community communication pathways. \"All of our students have Chromebooks,\" Murphy noted, and said parents can still contact students through district-managed channels in many cases.

Security and emergency concerns figured in the planning. Murphy said district security consultants warned that phones in some emergency situations can create safety and operational problems, including risks when students livestream during an incident. \"You cannot read something and listen at the same time,\" Murphy said, arguing students staring at phones may miss emergency instructions.

Teachers, supports and technology: The district is exploring short-term, low-tech tracking and reporting tools so teachers can log noncompliance without submitting dozens of formal referrals. Mike Keeley and the technology team have begun conversations with SchoolTool about an easy classroom-level reporting button, though Murphy cautioned that an integrated solution would not be ready for September.

Exemptions and documentation: The district will flag English-language learners and students with accommodations in its student information system. Administrators said they will review 504 and IEP requests for device-related accommodations and noted some requests may not meet medical criteria. \"We don't need to be approving 504s or IEP requests that don't actually require a cell phone, within reason,\" Murphy said.

Next steps: The policy text was placed on the board's agenda for first reading; administrators said they will bring a second reading for board action before the school year begins and will submit the district plan to the state by Aug. 1. The district also plans summer communications and recommended that families try limited-device days at home to ease the transition.

The board did not vote on the policy at the meeting; administrators said they will bring the second reading and recommended procedures for final approval later this summer.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting 6/24","oneSentenceSummary","Arlington Central School District administrators told the board they are preparing procedures to comply with a New York state law that will ban students from using internet-enabled devices \"bell to bell\" starting in September and that the district must file its plan with the state by Aug. 1.","taxTitle","ARLINGTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",38566,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6522800,"Arlington board approves salary, contracts, concurrent-enrollment MOU and consent agenda",442,5461000,5903000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5067029-34185310cf3c0dbfdfca32a903c638da&start=5461&end=5903","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5067029-34185310cf3c0dbfdfca32a903c638da/thumbnail_5461000.jpg","/articles/6522800/New-York/Arlington-board-approves-salary-contracts-concurrent-enrollment-MOU-and-consent-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522800-a703835c4905f528519c4a4035aaadf5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120624&Signature=nLVPvehL6loGf0OZP45O1ugO1tvf5lEECIG7a~5zqbS1RPgJ7Qvfzs2pU26MP~2ye7LdTGT6P4tqTdJxQerAYH~gIllwj8WNKnj1yP5RWF5SJW3bAIfBbvIVEA1RA8f6B5svoltSaW2R1Ap7KHPF2mXq~5nod2unyF52M8Wtccac3wkub80NquzMxWbyOn0M5p6Ot~luyO2ZiQCf2Btb-zqK9RKiAC-44wH4PHgNpaqEkuWaBUJJ1kZflsjeii66OzZMhkm8OgGIPluWHpcrYlTVD4G9NU2wP71kGZXTWfAOs-cgbCbP3o22IFf~nQNddV08QQEdUCAMU9cihVPlYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arlington Central School District board approved a package of business items including non-unit salary increases, an annual memorandum of understanding for concurrent enrollment with Dutchess Community College, an annual contract, the appointment of the student-ex officio board member and an alternate, and a consent agenda of personnel and operational items.

Board members moved and seconded each item in turn and the motions passed by voice vote with \"Aye\" recorded; individual roll-call tallies were not specified in the meeting minutes. The board president called for the motion and members signaled assent for each item.

The board approved non-unit salary increases and an annual memorandum of understanding with Dutchess Community College that continues concurrent-enrollment offerings allowing students to receive high-school and college credit for designated courses. The board also approved a contract listed on the agenda (SMOAAESA contract) and elected Mia Newsom as the student-ex officio board member and Shontanae Wind as the alternate.

A large consent agenda passed by the single-motion process. Superintendent and board remarks during the consent vote referenced several administrative hires at Arlington High School: house principals and assistant principals were named on the consent list and will be part of the high-school leadership team when school opens. The audit and finance committee summary shared earlier at the meeting also detailed plans to place an anticipated $3 million to $4 million surplus into reserve buckets; the board approved distribution of reserve funds on the consent agenda.

Why it matters: The votes finalize annual business operations and staffing for the coming year, maintain the district's concurrent-enrollment relationship with Dutchess Community College and implement negotiated or recommended salary adjustments.

Formal outcomes (as recorded in the meeting): motions were moved and seconded and passed by voice vote; abstentions were asked and none were recorded for several items. The minutes did not include named roll-call tallies for each member.

Administration noted that documentation for each item had been distributed to board members in advance. Several items will require follow-up or implementation work over the summer, including onboarding of newly approved administrators and the district's reserve accounting and reporting.","The Arlington Central School District board approved non-unit salary increases, a concurrent-enrollment MOU with Dutchess Community College, contract renewals and a consent agenda that includes multiple staffing appointments.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6522806,"Parent urges Arlington schools to notify families after substitute allegedly whispered inappropriate remark to student",263,792000,1055000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5067029-34185310cf3c0dbfdfca32a903c638da&start=792&end=1055","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5067029-34185310cf3c0dbfdfca32a903c638da/thumbnail_792000.jpg","/articles/6522806/New-York/Parent-urges-Arlington-schools-to-notify-families-after-substitute-allegedly-whispered-inappropriate-remark-to-student","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522806-0ae7768c718ea205a8317d3b3c11455c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771120624&Signature=i2TCm-iOSGsOUsFaL9fKRlNKOfg4NBjGbHX1ahJWqSGbtYRKd3nx4sQVvPZI449HG0G7MrcuJVnuo2FBWuIa7P9P~PPF9j5Y8DFcb5XyCRrPnUYYh~A5Zd9nf6DHCKQaFt6SqqxbBo1EC4kktLGrsjzEBKxiGkNQjMMYVcO95-AwA1Ytx6jPjix2dnBhm52Oto~M~DYFtBQylbYfgiKHF6zc5bW1S~dPX4OAhBCObweg2ZIIyDFfFprNHZT2ynJLWYgbdh~kUzfQa-Q7L-PfOZWGaAr8V8TKCsoz6TtyFgdS7K9fPFukIPqZ7lBMCEN-FfR8WO19NAdCSHopA9ciCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A parent told the Arlington Central School District board during public comment that a substitute teacher allegedly whispered an inappropriate remark to his daughter at a middle school and urged the district to change how it notifies families about similar incidents.

The father said the student reported the incident to a principal and the substitute was removed from the school the same day. \"We were told that the gentleman was no longer going to be staffed at any or used in any of the Arlington schools,\" the parent said during the meeting. The parent added, \"We did file a police report ourselves.\" He asked the board to reconsider the district's practice of not issuing a districtwide notification in cases involving substitutes or internal staffing matters, saying parents might otherwise never know if similar incidents occurred earlier.

The speaker said Human Resources told the family that substitutes have rights and that HR provided limited information to the family. The parent said the district cited two reasons for not notifying families: the incident involved a substitute rather than a full-time teacher, and the matter was an internal staffing issue. \"In my opinion, I think that's how you would maybe find out if it had happened before,\" the parent said, arguing that broader notification might reveal unreported incidents.

Board members and staff replied that public comments should not include identifying details about district personnel or students, and the district clerk offered to have staff contact the parent to follow up. The board did not take formal action on the item during the meeting. School staff and HR procedures were discussed as matters for internal follow-up.

Why this matters: The comment raises questions about how the district balances employee due process, student privacy and family notification in potential misconduct cases. The parent recommended the district review whether and when to send messages via ParentSquare or other official channels so families are informed when an incident may affect multiple students.","A parent told the Arlington board a substitute teacher allegedly whispered an inappropriate remark to his daughter and said the district should notify families via ParentSquare or similar systems when such incidents occur.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Arlington board hears detailed plan to implement New York—state—"bell-to-bell" ban on internet-enabled devices

Arlington board approves salary, contracts, concurrent-enrollment MOU and consent agenda

Parent urges Arlington schools to notify families after substitute allegedly whispered inappropriate remark to student