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Board holds first reading of student electronic-device policy to comply with new state law
Summary
The Port Washington board conducted a first reading of a new policy on student use of electronic devices to comply with recent state education legislation; board members discussed implementation, stakeholder engagement and possible state grant funding for equipment such as pouches.
The Port Washington Union Free School District Board of Education held a first reading of a proposed code of character, culture and conduct section on student use of electronic devices to comply with a new state education law, board members said.
The draft policy was presented as a first read so building principals, particularly at the middle and high school levels, could have time before the start of the 2025–26 school year to prepare staff and students for changes required by the law. "We acknowledge that this is a big change of practice for our students, and our teaching staff throughout the district," Superintendent Dr. Shields said, urging continued conversations with staff to plan implementation.
Board members at the policy and personnel committee meeting had discussed the change and the committee recommended moving the draft forward for a first read so schools could begin onboarding parents, students and staff. "It is required," a committee member said of stakeholder engagement; the board noted the law requires opportunities for stakeholders to weigh in and advised that additional public input may take place at a policy committee meeting or a town hall.
Board member Miss Sesky raised concerns about the operational burden on school staff from required enforcement steps, describing a scenario of staff recording warnings and repeatedly checking students' devices. Sesky urged the district to consider applying for state grant funding the governor is offering this year to help districts implement the law, noting that the district might otherwise face a larger expense later: "...now we don't say, oh, this didn't work for us and now we need $60,000 to $80,000 that's no longer available," she said. Board member Travine agreed that administration and staff should decide specific operational details and that available funds could be used to supply classroom pouches or similar items.
No formal adoption occurred; the item was advanced as a first read so administrators and principals can begin planning, and the board asked the policy committee and administration to continue stakeholder engagement and to explore available state funding.
