[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6512244,"mediaKeyId","5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db","parentId",5115112,"title","Board debates smartphone and internet‑device policy, delays final rule pending state guidance","audioSeconds",955,"startMs",4505000,"endMs",5460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db&start=4505&end=5460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db/thumbnail_4505000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6512244/New-York/Board-debates-smartphone-and-internetdevice-policy-delays-final-rule-pending-state-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512244-3445beb96819249fe663d9cc7c4edb3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773643242&Signature=oa9zVBnrXG7y6SgokQTszqviBEOK2iBMAWTpIOF3OalGh772xhBwNfjAU4ymGszO4AaeDzU-oF8J94ucDZTUUwFucXbd524-FwSPzjaSwDjUZud3pqC4uru~D~3161BvI8kmixy5Gv843rivDTNABfksiXAZUGlf1sub61dYkMG5HLyGKc2hv01bfzG3kgRBgBv1IIlMxwpFB-NqmOKH8HliEWJx8jD~u65MDy2HkdSE~MVjrYEi9T0v7aWSXrTXtCSPbKZ~bagTARvOey3UfcEm-nBLY089ZhMDUNOqX7U1romz3iMm0kMRQqPMSBjGUiYJYR9xBWwI5Uqxi3wvcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-07-02T11:49:12Z","article","Board members spent significant time on July 1 discussing a proposed district policy to restrict Internet‑enabled devices during the school day and require on‑site storage options. The board did not adopt the draft policy at the meeting and asked administration to return in August with clarified regulations after anticipated state guidance.

The draft policy defines “Internet‑enabled devices” with examples such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Several board members urged broader or clearer language. One member suggested leaving a short definition and using examples only as “not limited to” items so the policy will remain current as technology evolves. Others said items listed in the draft, such as earbuds and headphones, are not currently Internet‑enabled and should be removed from a definition intended to cover devices that connect to the Internet.

A recurring concern was enforcement: teachers and staff would face judgment calls about whether a particular device is Internet enabled, and members warned that allowing non‑Internet cellular phones could prompt students to substitute devices and work around the restriction. “If you're able to text on it, you're distracted,” one board member said during the discussion.

The state law that prompted the district work requires that schools provide “one or more storage devices” (for example, a locker) as an option. The administration told the board that building‑level lockers could technically satisfy that requirement but said relying on lockers alone is not the district’s recommended implementation: prior experience shows students do not always use lockers and that a required locker‑only approach would be a large operational shift. The administration noted that building‑level plans and the exact implementation mechanics remain subject to further guidance from the state and legal counsel.

Board members agreed to delay final adoption and asked staff to return with clarified regulatory language, counsel review and recommendations on whether to treat cellular‑only devices equivalently to Internet‑enabled devices. Administration said it will review the state and governor’s guidance expected in coming weeks and present a regulation for board consideration in August.

The discussion also referenced the district code of conduct as a backstop: the code can address inappropriate use of devices whether or not those devices have Internet access. Board members asked that proposed language be vetted by counsel and that the board decide whether it wants a more expansive restriction than the state law strictly requires.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education","oneSentenceSummary","Board members discussed a draft policy that would restrict Internet‑enabled devices in school, questioned definitions and enforcement, and directed administration to seek state guidance and return with refined regulations in August.","taxTitle","NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",56859,"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},6512248,"Board adopts code of conduct, middle‑school realignment and temperature policy; opens district safety plan for public comment",90,3220000,3310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db&start=3220&end=3310","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db/thumbnail_3220000.jpg","/articles/6512248/New-York/Board-adopts-code-of-conduct-middleschool-realignment-and-temperature-policy-opens-district-safety-plan-for-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512248-af858c1b891190c5df593d7af23068c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773643242&Signature=Z2wDgxQUjbAuMc5MhtiCPU3OK8F2tw2~va6Rp8jzrQLi0wotntg6hB8MR9eEzUQBZ5SzraDTuNTamnj1lFwGA0-UpdCrmS3b90fi3Mab1JqXugCKWS~4DU26s1h7-WS0JX0A9TPAafgQIzGpFDeKIF9PbUkXFL1sf6x7GRFZSkboDOAGXAYIFb6NuJmXn6Ke57~iR0FqnijQcAViu~FKPSTBqAQjoiIVDfdeVgUJHhJfXG4U8PtYNFKAEB-rr2RMi2FBJpfTV3oyf9X3XIgWB3R5McafQSTl2iB5RFbF3vZmQHyJMz5Gn~1CiHb6KCiOcQc6ogdiG6x1a61woPqm2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Niskayuna Central School District Board of Education on July 1 approved a series of administrative policies and resolutions, voting unanimously on multiple agenda items and opening the district‑wide safety plan for public comment.

By voice vote the board adopted the district’s 2025–26 code of conduct. The board also unanimously approved a resolution to realign grade configurations as a temporary measure while building renovations proceed; under the plan Van Antwerp will temporarily host grades 5 and 6 and Iroquois will remain grades 7 and 8, and the district will submit the reorganization to the New York State Commissioner of Education for review.

The board adopted a draft policy setting maximum indoor temperatures for school buildings that aligns with a new New York State law taking effect Sept. 1. The policy directs mitigation steps at specified thresholds and evacuation when classrooms exceed higher limits; board members noted the difference between thermostat readings and center‑of‑room measurements the statute describes and said the district will rely on manual checks in identified rooms until more guidance or equipment is available.

The district opened a 30‑day public comment period on the district‑wide school safety and emergency response plan. Board policy clarified that building‑level plans are confidential under state law, are reviewed in executive session and adopted after review.

The meeting’s consent agenda — approved unanimously — included personnel appointments, committee assignments, and the designation of ex‑officio student members Arian Chu and Addison Ellsbury for two‑year terms ending June 30, 2027.

Board members took no final action on the draft policy governing Internet‑enabled devices during this meeting (that item was discussed separately); administration said it will seek further guidance from state authorities and bring a revised regulation to the board in August.

Votes at a glance
- Adopt 2025–26 Code of Conduct: adopted (7–0)
- Adopt Middle‑school realignment resolution (send to Commissioner of Education): adopted (7–0)
- Adopt maximum temperature policy (aligning with NYS law, effective Sept. 1): adopted (7–0)
- Open district‑wide safety plan for 30‑day public comment: opened (public comment period initiated)
- Consent agenda (personnel, committees, appointments including ex‑officio student members Arian Chu and Addison Ellsbury): approved (7–0)

Board members said several of the approvals are required annually or by state regulation; the realignment resolution is part of a multi‑year facilities and enrollment plan that will return to the board for additional action if construction and renovations remain on schedule.","At its July 1 meeting the Niskayuna Central School District Board of Education approved the 2025–26 code of conduct, a middle‑school realignment resolution to send to the state, and a maximum‑temperature policy tied to new state law; it also opened a 30‑day public comment period on the district‑wide safety plan.",{"_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},6512253,"Superintendent: Niskayuna posts high graduation rate, expands communications staff and flags federal funds freeze",593,2085000,2678000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db&start=2085&end=2678","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db/thumbnail_2085000.jpg","/articles/6512253/New-York/Superintendent-Niskayuna-posts-high-graduation-rate-expands-communications-staff-and-flags-federal-funds-freeze","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512253-e6aed3150186c0822188f13bac6601d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773643242&Signature=R9yq3JyjHs~zLiS-vSkFwWX2Euo3xrtvvmTFBDv6crXnkFeB-0HIYO9BsmOssP7euONMJxi4JUGqqUoGmh468fHxYk~~kL6j7iBoo1PzT8ObewQlLFd7a4NADEslaUYK6eqU-tSH~xK4~y3fSG~Bm7KBjwtTb0CpptoMalPPwiWuzn4l4oao10i7PJDHWoGF1yIWF3pSGUqi7OmDqONjmk05-VhIb6HOa5YtLMuEpAgzAZ4xAY9dWNh76fXTVr3bwMg70I1eCXYtjhzGUYZHar27yvlnIaohvVpYDPMcVQd4YNepCtS~R7fTshD0v1jBBpm4qIlm7vunIYYHVlvLWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Carl Momenthek told the Niskayuna Central School District Board of Education on July 1 that the district recognized 337 graduates last week and achieved a four‑year cohort graduation rate of 97.9 percent.

Momenthek said nearly 60 percent of graduates earned Regents diplomas with advanced distinction, and the district honored retiring high‑school principal John Rickert at commencement. The superintendent and board members highlighted student involvement in the ceremony and said digital highlights would be posted to district social channels.

Momenthek also announced changes to the district’s communications staffing. The district purchased additional services from Capital Region BOCES and will add a communications programs manager, Monica Lester, on a three‑day‑a‑week in‑district schedule and a new public information specialist, Erin Drescher, on a three‑day‑a‑week schedule. Lindsay Quackenbush will continue work on digital content two days per week, and the district will draw additional remote support from BOCES for website updates. The administration described the change as roughly a 33 percent increase in communications capacity.

Separately, Momenthek briefed the board on a federal action announced overnight by the presidential administration to withhold certain congressionally appropriated funds for schools. He said the national withholding totals about $6.8 billion and that, if upheld, the freeze would reduce the district’s federal funding by roughly 6.9 percent — “approximately $91,000.” Momenthek said it was “very, very early” in the process, that the law currently favors Congress, and that the district had budgeted for contingencies and did not expect the freeze to affect summer programming or the start of the school year.

Board members thanked staff and leadership for commencement work and congratulated new hires and promoted administrators listed in the consent agenda.

The superintendent’s remarks also included recognition of two alumni inducted into the district’s hall of fame and notice that video highlights of commencement would be shared on social media the following day.","Superintendent reported a 97.9% four‑year graduation rate for the class of 2025, staffing additions to the district communications team, and a potential $91,000 local impact from a federal funding freeze announced by the administration.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6512258,"Parents, students press Niskayuna board over math acceleration changes and AP wait lists",885,900000,1785000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db&start=900&end=1785","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5115112-be5619407c8c793e0c3215ea2a08d2db/thumbnail_900000.jpg","/articles/6512258/New-York/Parents-students-press-Niskayuna-board-over-math-acceleration-changes-and-AP-wait-lists","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512258-764093d9baf2c4d8858b15805892d8d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773643242&Signature=Fr9yP0nQWI2ktg-McYemAmp~Skl73qWxBMKO6J2S1p-TEOLja7pxvM9S2VsARiuP0Yq-vV~CzMhBCvLnNyk2r-Wp6LH6qxLP~F5dqInGvw~FfgFaPvbmd552eZX9EhXkLaEiF-iG3U2kjLJWX6zIvnhKj3Oppvrn9-cUMC7CWoTKWLZ~CwUDLIw-1bNEvc6VfshbPris954XZShkjFz5Yvjd4jhpqkmbBrwYE4wy8fgmgXq35bpZBoLweB8AQ~ykZIM7wxhxlaPlqDuqigVtzreu8d6ecEc9PemtWj9QXZ4eKg2EqKwFo7XcBSV7yFQZnT8x6y5gNo8qCcc-2I-zwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parents and students told the Niskayuna Central School District Board of Education on July 1 that recent changes to elementary and middle‑school math acceleration, and long wait lists for advanced high‑school classes, risk limiting opportunities for students.

At the meeting, several parents described the district’s decision to remove a stand‑alone fifth‑grade accelerated class known as “5A” and to convert middle‑school double‑acceleration into a credit‑by‑exam pathway that places the onus on families to secure outside instruction. Jenny Lewis, a parent who asked the board to read her written remarks, said, “My incoming fifth grader is very disappointed that he will no longer have the opportunity to take the next year,” and asked the district to share the data and rationale behind the changes before they are finalized.

The concern extended beyond elementary math. Multiple speakers described weaknesses they see in short‑term acceleration and in current small‑group classroom models. One parent said advanced students using adaptive programs often complete online modules without teacher interaction, leaving gaps in foundational understanding: “They can solve the problem, not necessarily understanding foundation.” Another parent urged the board to preserve 5A and double‑acceleration formats because they provide teacher‑led instruction and peer cohorts.

Student voices also pressed for change. Harry Abel, the student representative, told the board he had heard “countless concerns” about staffing, enrollment, and whether students can take classes “at a high enough level to satisfy them.” He said it may be too late for schedule fixes for the coming year but urged the board to address the issue formally to reassure families.

Several speakers linked the acceleration changes to broader programming decisions, including a district switch from IXL to i‑Ready for some grades; one parent said the new platform “offers much less choice and exploration” and asked the district not to rely on i‑Ready as the predominant acceleration tool. Parents also pressed for clearer, earlier communication, saying notices were unevenly distributed and that families below fifth grade had been insufficiently informed.

Board members and staff acknowledged the concerns and described planned next steps. The board said it will present a fuller explanation and timeline to a fall academic programs committee meeting and continue public engagement; the administration has scheduled a September review of pathways and said the district will examine four‑year student trajectories and staffing constraints when considering changes to acceleration.

For now, the board did not reverse the changes at the July 1 meeting. Speakers said they want published data, clearer communications and opportunities to discuss alternatives before the district implements long‑term scheduling and program changes.

The public comment session at the July 1 meeting included multiple parents and students who raised related academic concerns. Board members said they would place the acceleration roadmap on a fall committee agenda so the community can review pathways in detail.","Parents and students urged the Niskayuna Central School District board to restore accelerated fifth-grade math and reconsider changes to double-acceleration and course sequencing, and raised alarm about long wait lists for advanced high‑school courses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board debates smartphone and internet‑device policy, delays final rule pending state guidance

Board adopts code of conduct, middle‑school realignment and temperature policy; opens district safety plan for public comment

Superintendent: Niskayuna posts high graduation rate, expands communications staff and flags federal funds freeze

Parents, students press Niskayuna board over math acceleration changes and AP wait lists