Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Discipline Device Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Starpoint superintendent defends new no‑backpack policy; parent raises Chromebook damage concern
Summary
At a Starpoint Central School District board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Croft defended the district's new no‑backpack policy and said medical exceptions will receive clear backpacks; a parent urged the district to address increased Chromebook damage risk and consider protective cases or insurance changes.
Dr. Croft, Superintendent of Starpoint Central School District, told the board the district is enforcing a new no‑backpack policy and said medical exceptions may get clear backpacks if approved by the school physician.
The policy change drew a public question from Chris Farley, who asked whether the district will change Chromebook rules or provide protection now that students are carrying devices by hand instead of in backpacks. "Is there gonna be any change in the Chromebook policy going forward with this new backpack policy?" Farley asked.
Dr. Croft said the district is "looking into that at this point" and that staff will monitor the final eight weeks of the term before adopting any formal change. He said school physicians can approve medical exemptions and that Starpoint has purchased clear backpacks to issue when a medical reason is documented. "An option is Chromebook protectors, also looking at our insurance policy there," Croft said. He added the district views student safety and security from concealed items as outweighing the risk of increased Chromebook damage, but that the district will investigate protective measures.
Farley followed up asking whether the school would provide Chromebook protectors or whether families must obtain them. Croft responded, "We will definitely look into that and investigate that," and thanked Farley for raising the issue.
The exchange occurred during the meeting's public remarks period after the board approved routine items earlier in the agenda. No board vote or formal policy amendment on Chromebook care or insurance was recorded during the meeting.
Board members and administrators referenced the new backpack approach earlier in the meeting while reporting on the first day back to school; Dr. Croft noted the first day without backpacks went "very smooth" and reiterated the medical‑exception process through the nurse's office.
What happened next: The board did not take formal action on Chromebook policy, insurance coverage, or device protection during this session. Superintendent Croft said staff will monitor outcomes and investigate protective options before recommending further action.
Why it matters: Chromebooks are district‑issued instructional devices. Changes to how students carry them could affect device damage rates, repair costs, and student access to technology. The district's stated reliance on medical exemptions and clear backpacks leaves unresolved whether the district will fund or require device protectors or change insurance/replacement procedures.
