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Board tables proposed electronic-device policy after public challenge citing state law
Summary
The board tabled a second-reading policy that would expand permitted Internet-enabled device use after public commenters and board members said sections appear inconsistent with Section 2803 of New York State Education Law.
The Newburgh City School District Board of Education on Monday tabled a proposed revision to district policy that would have clarified exceptions allowing students to use Internet-enabled devices during the school day.
Public commenter Tracy Wallace urged the board to reconcile the draft policy with Section 2803 of the New York State Education Law, saying the policy deleted statutory exemptions and incorrectly extended "bell-to-bell" school-day language to buses. "Bell to bell means exactly bell to bell," Wallace said, adding she was concerned the proposed exceptions removed translation services and improperly conflated district policy with statutory exemptions.
Following the public comments, administration recommended further review. Board members moved to table the item for additional legal and policy committee review; the motion to table carried by roll call.
Board members said they would reconvene policy committee and legal staff to align the district's draft policy text with state law and clarify exemptions for students with documented health needs or individualized education program (IEP) provisions. The transcript shows a direct request that the district review the statutory language in Section 2803 and return with a revised draft that reflects the full list of exemptions in statute rather than additional or altered language in district policy.
