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Riverhead board adopts state-required personal electronic devices policy
Summary
The board adopted new Board Policy 5695 governing students’ use of internet-connected personal devices after a first and final reading; the policy implements a New York State law and will begin in September, with certain exceptions and outstanding funding questions noted by board members.
The Riverhead Central School District Board of Education approved a new policy restricting student use of personal electronic devices during school hours, following a first and final reading prompted by New York State law.
District officials said the policy, numbered on the agenda as 5695, implements a state requirement that the district must adopt before the school year begins in September. Board members described the rule as applying throughout the instructional day, with limited exceptions for medical needs and students covered by Section 504 plans or individualized education programs (IEPs).
The policy was presented to the board as a required response to a state law and the board voted to adopt it at the meeting. Board members noted they expect to make adjustments as implementation details emerge and said the district is awaiting guidance on associated state funding for the policy. One board member requested a future update on available funding: the district’s business office was asked to prepare details about potential impacts if state funding for the new requirements is delayed or reduced.
The board identified exceptions for medical needs and students with 504 plans or IEPs; other administrative, case-by-case exceptions would require administrator approval per the policy language described in the meeting. No implementation dates beyond “starting in September” were provided in the meeting record. The board recorded the motion to adopt the policy as passed; no roll-call tally was provided in the meeting transcript.
