[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6157009,"mediaKeyId","5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77","parentId",5467337,"title","Committee recommends second reading of distraction‑free device policy; privacy and special‑education exceptions remain central","audioSeconds",1040,"startMs",1459000,"endMs",2499000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77&start=1459&end=2499","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77/thumbnail_1459000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6157009/New-York/Committee-recommends-second-reading-of-distractionfree-device-policy-privacy-and-specialeducation-exceptions-remain-central","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157009-32c93e67a8280f5dd2cfdc94e3e2a67b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580452&Signature=AIseD6Hb-Hu186W-~l5Fxt50HsdhQOwq07b~LgA8A7jnJvzwlu9xQ9c2qWriLkItIfSvkXrjiwL2XRASKykBhb~48uqELMFt-k9tD-7WZCnEO~IIqyu59HSgrvAfUJ6fW9ERdf4XZCiL4taaSyemExNVNof7ONTAzblfzU84C6Jc0w~qLMq4mxToU8der8y4x1~LISOjl9LKCeIgK~dATeVx65gudrrCo~eMqY8VTXUNtd9cL6ASLEJW2il0qDbIVkD7esmulKDGUKn7zRHw7xMtn9t110Fp7EZL3r-rXgIeXD~BIYZ7HcBhLxBUvEyVsvhCSJquonvTBvqsI2UL1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-24T02:59:37Z","article","The Newburgh City School District policy committee reviewed a new “distraction‑free schools” policy required by state action and recommended moving it to a second reading and adoption. The draft would limit personal electronic device use during the academic day, allow targeted exceptions for emergencies, medical needs and IEP/Section 504 accommodations, and permit device use for extracurricular activities, field trips and bus travel.

Policy staffer Mr. McGrath (presenter) said the draft attempts to balance the state requirement for distraction‑free classrooms with families’ need to communicate with students. He described an end‑of‑day “window” for students to check devices so families can confirm transportation or pick‑up plans; he said devices would remain allowable on buses and during extracurricular activities.

The draft also addresses on‑campus storage and enforcement. The committee discussed Yondr pouches (district‑used secure storage) and backpack‑storage scenarios; Mr. McGrath said the policy should not create a loophole allowing students to bypass restrictions by carrying older devices. He noted students were not part of the stakeholder committee that drafted the recommended language.

Translation services and data privacy were central topics. Peterson and McGrath explained that district‑controlled translation tools are allowable, but third‑party translation apps that the district does not control raise student‑data privacy concerns under state education privacy requirements (discussed in the meeting as \"Ed Law 2‑d\"/data privacy). On that basis, the committee agreed the policy should permit translation services only if the district controls the software or has an enforceable privacy agreement.

For emergencies, the draft gives building administrators authority to permit device use; committee members clarified that routine communications during the day (for example, messages about transportation) will remain possible through the main office and building procedures. The committee heard multiple suggestions on how to communicate the new rules to families, including a “communications campaign,” calendar notices and a clear executive summary in the welcome packet; one board member recommended paid advertisements and broad outreach before implementation.

Mr. McGrath said the district would no longer permit bring‑your‑own devices and that the district must provide devices to students. The committee discussed special‑education students and students in the process of evaluation; Onyx Peterson and other members said accommodations should be addressed through IEP and Section 504 planning and building‑level management.

The committee recorded that the policy had its first reading and will be brought back for second reading and adoption; members directed staff to add precise language on district‑approved translation services, administrator discretion for emergencies, and communications steps before the policy takes effect. One member said the intended effective date is at the start of the school year (discussed as August 1) if the board adopts the policy in time.

No final adoption occurred at the committee meeting; staff will prepare the revised draft and outreach materials for the next board packet.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Policy Committee Meeting - July 23, 2025 - 10:00AM","oneSentenceSummary","The Newburgh City School District policy committee advanced a state‑driven “distraction‑free schools” device policy to a second reading, highlighting data‑privacy limits on third‑party translation tools, special‑education and medical exceptions, and a requirement that the district supply devices rather than permit bring‑your‑own devices.","taxTitle","Newburgh City School District, School Districts, New York","taxId",14388,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6157013,"Committee recommends first reading of umbrella coaches policy to align expectations with handbook and contracts",969,1400000,2369000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77&start=1400&end=2369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77/thumbnail_1400000.jpg","/articles/6157013/New-York/Committee-recommends-first-reading-of-umbrella-coaches-policy-to-align-expectations-with-handbook-and-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157013-e21adab6132900a5603c32c3268df10e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580452&Signature=G6vQMXmuv9c5nyTAmXTG6PrRaIrjAxp2E5L2QL-yhJb7cLJD4oPs817Esre32oxEg33gEaAmwJHbmvpcEWAAVhDdufD~HnO6N6aTlBsFFhdE3KbpRNyvl3YmhuFtS8kXvRclU~rh3biPRBL6xAdtgEKS6FPeB5NIqlXGx8akxFK10r2kJVl5UCXiFePjGMYIXSy4rCm2-bpAcMtkKbJzkxKvJCGJDnDHDPYiycg35sxYySVpfHsJtr8oZGQK8omMQdBbHyY9QhrydLNTtlnkmQuCP37ZO7qIL6ko7BQLVibctvISfg5XrFIx4c3uCyvATvHfx5CWOw~NwUXqA7stNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newburgh City School District policy committee recommended a first reading of an umbrella coaches policy that would set board expectations for coaches, clarify qualifications and definitions, and require alignment with the coaches handbook and collective bargaining agreements.

Acting Superintendent Onyx Peterson presented the draft policy as an umbrella document to articulate what the board expects from coaches and what management will require. She said the policy would be paired with a regulation and would “solidify” expectations already found in the coaches handbook, including licensing or qualifications, annual professional development and coaching evaluation.

Ray Bergarelli asked how the policy would reference the existing coaches handbook; Peterson said she would add language requiring annual receipt of the coaches handbook and make clear that the policy does not limit additional handbook provisions. Margo May suggested a line clarifying that nothing in the new policy would limit provisions already in the handbook.

Peterson said the draft aligns with the district’s collective bargaining agreements and state rules for interscholastic athletics (as referenced in the draft), and that including an explicit link to the handbook would strengthen enforcement. Committee members agreed the document should be presented to the board as a first reading; no final adoption occurred at the meeting.

The committee did not vote on specific regulatory text during the meeting; it asked staff to add language clarifying the relationship between the board policy, the handbook, and management regulations before presenting the item for board action.","The committee reviewed a proposed coaches policy that would define coach classifications, qualifications, evaluations, professional development, and the relationship between the board policy, a regulation, and the coaches handbook; members approved forwarding it for a first reading.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6157018,"Policy committee to review anti‑discrimination and harassment policy in executive session after complaints about scope",2720,429000,3149000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77&start=429&end=3149","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77/thumbnail_429000.jpg","/articles/6157018/New-York/Policy-committee-to-review-antidiscrimination-and-harassment-policy-in-executive-session-after-complaints-about-scope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157018-5bc6d26861939792e9d72082c592a9d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580452&Signature=dzVLsiDYB9W50yVLwDjacO7HZRNMVtR4KKWQ6phXEI6zDvyFHjcQf-InS38rPsd7u3585s9RsiITWmKR7hehdxdpF1Xj85RwipyM4siK2g~oPoDTeWjJuVizlQVoaL-9RxbqMPrRy7K90CmQ~7J0E1JKc3KjIW7NyDAYIzPF7Nl32~z-2WdAiahXrTWguCX7~0LRAiP9RZGmh4s492B8xRTRkbt-efmJJG13nfcklfrpwiKjElBgUwK3EWWqc3UKxYouvAIMwIFQbwn6Kdji1XVik3hoWOAd2XzUe4fiLz87U97LsSBAv29Oc-x1C8jGGOXxyQI1n5E5a5BvcZHwzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members told the Newburgh City School District policy committee that the district’s anti‑discrimination and harassment policy has prompted an unusually large number of grievances and workload for human resources, and they directed staff and counsel to review the policy in executive session.

Mr. Howard summarized concerns that portions of the policy have been used in ways “other than what was intended,” producing “a flurry of complaints” and extra work for human‑resources staff. He said the policy might need to be “totally omitted from the policy book or revised.”

Acting Superintendent Onyx Peterson said protections exist under New York State law and in collective bargaining grievance processes; she recommended the matter proceed as an executive discussion with the district’s legal team. Ray Bergarelli stressed that removing the policy should not strip statutory rights, saying the district already has policies providing many of the intended protections.

A member asked whether eliminating the policy would affect the DASA (Dignity for All Students Act); another member asked for clarification about the related employee anti‑harassment policy located in the 9000s section of the manual. The committee did not vote on amendments; instead they scheduled a review in executive session at the next meeting so legal counsel can advise and the full board can weigh in.

The meeting record shows the committee explicitly moved to an executive session later in the agenda “for the purpose of legal advice.” The transcript notes that “we will not be taking action” in executive session, indicating the review is for counsel input rather than immediate policy change.","Committee members said the district’s anti‑discrimination/anti‑harassment policy has prompted many grievances and administrative burden; they agreed to handle further review in executive session with legal counsel and to allow members to provide input before any removal or revision.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6157025,"Policy committee agrees to add short end-of-meeting public comment period",993,176000,1169000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77&start=176&end=1169","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5467337-02e23cc67f394bb1547ca8a492afbc77/thumbnail_176000.jpg","/articles/6157025/New-York/Policy-committee-agrees-to-add-short-end-of-meeting-public-comment-period","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6157025-b6ba060641853110f969dd0a1a0a4320/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580452&Signature=EYXGZSOwUnUhWnfWMjcZjV4~0otkR0oRdcjVR91ytbDhnfpKHpljUSiKQ52XH~hAW1oJzZUzZsGsqIeCjlHBinAx7OFpNBMrVd5fQVr0MWiTMBX9z1rqGAAJKB7h5o~T~71~7ZdBEiXxWI7T8TGxMDti6fkCiXfwXeztl1ppYpwH9c9V82czmeW933QwH-u7J-vbkCK2o-P-20iHDh86-2V78NQkiAByqgUUeIYahpL2gnX3t4CAXDHcFati~NGPwWUWErLK6QEafIGuq9I2AegeW8FsfAsRn-7BioOjPlzJa~225nkjeQU5XtQu3hEm0UxWnVOuurGwWqvp~26AAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Newburgh City School District policy committee agreed to add language to the district’s public‑comment policy creating a brief non‑agenda comment period at the end of meetings, limited to two minutes per person and a 15‑minute total. Chair Mr. Howard said, “A total of 15 minutes. 2 minutes per person.”

The change is intended to give members of the public who remain until adjournment a chance to respond after agenda items are discussed. Committee co‑chair Ray Bergarelli proposed the end‑of‑meeting slot and said it would allow people “to immediately address some of the concerns that may have been brought up at the meeting.”

Acting Superintendent Onyx Peterson told the committee staff can add the language and present it with the policy at the next meeting. Committee members discussed whether the new slot should be considered a non‑agenda item and agreed it would be. Margo May (clerk pro tem) and other members confirmed that the updated public‑comment policy will be presented for first reading and adoption at the committee’s next meeting.

Discussion points included whether the end‑of‑meeting period should be 10–15 minutes and whether two minutes per speaker is sufficient. Sade Burks, a committee member, said she supported the addition because audience members often have follow‑up questions after discussion and “by the time the next meeting comes, we've forgotten the questions.”

No formal vote on the policy language was recorded during the meeting; the committee directed staff to draft specific wording for the non‑agenda comment period and include it in the packet for the next board meeting.

The committee did not discuss changes to other elements of the public‑comment rules during this session. The policy will return to the board for formal consideration as scheduled.","The Newburgh City School District policy committee agreed to draft language adding a short, non‑agenda public comment period at the end of meetings — limited to two minutes per speaker and a 15‑minute total — and will present the revised public‑comment policy for first reading and adoption at the next board meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee recommends second reading of distraction‑free device policy; privacy and special‑education exceptions remain central

Committee recommends first reading of umbrella coaches policy to align expectations with handbook and contracts

Policy committee to review anti‑discrimination and harassment policy in executive session after complaints about scope

Policy committee agrees to add short end-of-meeting public comment period