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Board reviews New York State-driven ban on internet-enabled devices during school day; lockers, IEP exemptions discussed
Summary
Board members discussed a New York State requirement that bans internet-enabled devices during instructional and noninstructional periods; discussion covered bell-to-bell scope, IEP/504 exemptions, locker storage, and next steps for public comment and data collection.
The Rockville Centre Union Free School District board reviewed a district policy rewritten to reflect a New York State requirement that broadly limits student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day.
A presenter explained that the policy, retitled "use of Internet enabled devices during the school day," is written "pursuant to New York State law" and covers "all instructional and non instructional periods: homeroom, lunch, recess, study hall, and passing time in the hallways." The presenter said the rule is essentially a bell-to-bell ban with some carved-out exceptions and noted the district will be required to compile implementation data.
Board members and staff raised practical questions about enforcement and storage. One board member said, "We're not changing anything. We have lockers. Right. So lockers are an acceptable use according to the policy for a place for students to store their phones." Speakers discussed elementary students who lack lockers, watches that connect to the internet, and the practicality for high school students who stay for after-school activities. A staff member warned that some commercial products, naming a company called Yonder, sell pouches that can be defeated; the transcript noted a $40 pouch and concerns about students finding ways to circumvent devices.
The transcript records additional clarifications and follow-up tasks discussed during the meeting: the policy allows device use when required by a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan; a board member asked whether annual IEP/504 reviews had addressed device needs and whether staff had been reaching out to parents; a staff member said he would double-check whether outside email addresses can reach Rockville Centre student accounts. Speakers also noted separate new policy language requiring action if building temperatures exceed 88 degrees, but that is a distinct policy item.
Board members said the device policy will be staged for public comment and will likely evolve as the district learns how enforcement works in practice. The transcript does not show a formal vote approving the device policy during this meeting.
