Manhasset Board adopts state-mandated personal electronic device policy, directs building-level rules

The Manhasset Board of Education voted to approve a first-and-final reading of a district policy implementing a state mandate on personal electronic devices, with the board directing administrators to draft building-level regulations and public communications before the start of the school year. Mariana, a district staff member who presented the policy, told the board, “As of August 1, we are required to have a policy in place.”

The policy matters because the state mandate requires districts to have rules in place by Aug. 1 so families and staff are aware when students return in September. Mariana said the district and shared decision-making committees and building staff reviewed the measure and emphasized that the intent is “to maintain focus on students during this academic school day, to avoid distractions.”

Board members discussed key operational details in public, including where devices will be stored and how enforcement will work. Under the policy, Internet-enabled devices are restricted;…