Lynbrook board adopts updated student electronic-device and conduct policies

The Lynbrook Union Free School District Board of Education voted to adopt updated student conduct and electronic-device policies at its regular monthly meeting.

The board conducted a second reading and adoption of the code of conduct (policy 5300) and approved a policy addressing extreme heat days (policy 8113), described in the meeting as a state requirement. The board also rescinded policy 1930 (personal cellular phone use by students) and replaced it with a new policy referenced in the transcript as 5695 addressing students and personal electronic devices; the new policy was approved with clarifying amendments.

Board members said the policy committee had circulated the proposed language to collective bargaining units and the PTA and had made clarifying edits in real time based on stakeholder input. The board specifically amended language so that any exceptions for students under a Section 504 plan or an individualized education program (IEP) would be recognized automatically and would not require parents or students to submit a separate request to the building. The committee also clarified that the principal of each school — not an unspecified “school” official — would be the decision-maker for exceptions under the policy. Finally, the board clarified that communications about the policy to parents must be made in writing.

The board moved to waive the first reading of the policy amendments, and members then voted to waive the second reading and adopt the amended policies. The minutes show the motions were seconded and passed by voice vote. The board chair and policy committee chair described the revisions as intended to make the rules clearer for families and school staff.

The board indicated the revised policies will be distributed to families and posted with other district policies on the district website so parents can review the changes and receive notifications when minutes and agendas are posted.