Homer Central holds first reading of internet-enabled device policy ahead of Aug. 1 deadline

The Homer Central School District board on Monday approved a first reading of Policy 73-16, a new policy governing the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day, and heard administrator briefings on survey results that will shape district procedures before an Aug. 1 implementation deadline.

Board members said the first reading was part of a process to comply with state requirements and to build district-level protocols. A staff member who presented the policy materials told the board the district has scheduled a second reading for July 1 and will finalize procedures before the start of the school year.

The presenter said the district collected feedback from students, parents and staff to guide implementation. “We sent surveys out to students, parents, and staff. We had 418 student responses, 139 parent responses, 78 staff responses, and 635 total responses,” the presenter said, noting survey input would inform enforcement, storage and other operational details.

A board member who serves on the policy committee urged clarity around ambiguous statutory phrases such as what “bell to bell” means, saying the committee plans to produce transparent language so students, staff and families understand how the rule will be applied.

Board members approved the first reading by voice vote; the motion passed. The presenter said the district will continue refining the recommended language and build accompanying protocols and procedures in time for the Aug. 1 statutory deadline.

The board credited district staff and outside assistance in preparing the policy; a staff member thanked Josh Finn for help with the surveys. The policy will return for a second reading on the board’s July agenda, after which the board expects to adopt it prior to the start of the school year.