The Fulton City School District Board of Education convened on August 12, 2025, at the Ed Center on 4th Street to discuss key updates and initiatives, primarily focusing on the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program and the new cell phone policy.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by Mr. Gates, the Director of Early Childhood Education, who provided an overview of the district's UPK program. He highlighted the program's history, noting its inception in 1998, and detailed the expansion of full-day UPK offerings from two classrooms in 2022 to nine classrooms in the current school year. Gates emphasized that the UPK program is state-funded and free for families, aligning with New York State learning standards. He reported that 165 students participated in the program last year, with positive feedback from families regarding communication and student readiness in various developmental areas.

Gates also shared that the district is committed to maintaining small class sizes, aiming for 16 students per classroom, and that professional development for UPK teachers is ongoing, including a three-day boot camp scheduled for the following week. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration with community partners, which has been essential for the program's success.

Following the UPK discussion, the board addressed the new cell phone policy. The policy mandates that students in grades K-2 store personal devices in their classrooms, while students in grades 3-12 will use lockers to store their devices. This decision aligns with practices in other local school districts and aims to minimize distractions during school hours. The administration acknowledged the need for effective communication with students and parents regarding the implementation of this policy, emphasizing the importance of support from all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing communication and collaboration as the school year approaches, ensuring that both students and staff are prepared for the changes ahead.