The Williamsville Central School District Board of Education on Aug. 12 approved a policy addressing maximum indoor temperatures and discussed several student-focused policies for the 2025–26 school year, including distraction-free school zones, photo/video opt-outs, and artwork opt-ins.

The board adopted policy 5685 (updated and renumbered during the meeting) setting district obligations for heat-related conditions. As presented, the district must take action to relieve heat-related discomfort when occupiable educational and support spaces reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit and should move students and staff from those spaces when room temperatures reach 88 degrees Fahrenheit, measured from the middle of the room, 3 feet above the floor in a shaded area. The board voted to approve the second reading and adopt the policy; the motion carried unanimously.

Superintendent Dr. Brownhall also briefed the board on the district’s rollout of “distraction-free school zones,” a measure included in the governor’s legislative agenda and now a district policy. Brownhall asked for community patience during initial implementation and noted that principals and teachers will need time to operationalize changes.

New opt-in/opt-out processes were announced for media and student work: a photo/video opt-out will be available for families who do not want their child featured in district photos or videos; an artwork opt-in form (aligned with policy 3170) will require written permission from both parent and student before student original work is published on district or school websites.

Brownhall also reminded families that, under the governor’s legislative agenda, all students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch in 2025–26; he encouraged families to submit free-and-reduced meal applications because those data affect Title I funding, AP exam fee waivers, and SAT-related supports. The district said cafeteria menus will start with reduced options at the beginning of the year and expand as participation stabilizes.

District procedures, FAQs and supporting materials were posted to BoardDocs and the district’s Wix site; Brownhall said links would be fixed if they were not working.