Board adopts second-read policies including personal electronic device rules required by state law

Brighton, N.Y. — The Brighton Central School District Board of Education approved four second-read policies July 2, including a new policy on students’ personal electronic devices that district leaders said the state requires by Aug. 1.

During discussion, Superintendent Dr. McGowan told the board the policy reflects choices the district made under the law and that principals — particularly the high school principal — will communicate implementation details to students and families. "This is what the requirement is and this is what we're gonna do," Dr. McGowan said, explaining the district’s timeline and emphasis on implementation.

The four policies approved on second read were Policy 5695 (noninstructional business operations — student personal electronic devices), Policy 5681 (noninstructional business operations — school safety plans), Policy 7220 (students — graduation requirements) and Policy 7223 (students — advanced coursework). Board members said a slide deck and committee deliberations supporting the device policy are available on the district website for public review.

Board members noted the policy will be implemented this school year and that for many students the requirements are already familiar because they came from feeder schools with similar rules. District leaders emphasized that the board's role at this meeting was formal adoption; principals and staff will provide the "nuts and bolts" of implementation for each building before school starts.

The board approved all four policies in a single motion. No amendments or roll-call objections were recorded in the minutes.