Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the District Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hyde Park schools report strong start, launch “0 distraction” cell‑phone policy and finalize regional BOCES plan
Summary
Superintendent’s report at the Sept. 11 board meeting highlighted a positive start to the school year, the new district "0 distraction" cell‑phone policy (two incidents reported at the high school), a Dutchess BOCES regional plan due Oct. 1, attendance gains and a county tax‑bill printing error affecting exemption displays.
Superintendent Dr. Roman told the Hyde Park Central School District Board of Education on Sept. 11 that the district saw "a really good feel" across buildings during the opening days of the school year and highlighted a series of operational updates, including a new cell‑phone policy, regional planning with Dutchess BOCES and an administrative tax‑bill printing error.
Dr. Roman said the district is implementing a "0 distraction" policy this year that prohibits students from having cell phones, headphones or smartwatches out during the school day. He reported the district has received mostly positive feedback from students and staff and that students are "more social and interactive," though he said the district has had two incidents at the high school that require intervention.
The superintendent outlined regional work with Dutchess BOCES to "regionalize our support services," saying the BOCES plan identifies priorities including expanded educational options, collaborative professional development and enhanced school safety. He said the regional plan will be submitted to the state by Oct. 1.
Director of Guidance Melissa Reeder said September is Attendance Awareness Month; the district will send weekly communications to families and she reported a 5.2 percentage‑point reduction in chronic absenteeism from the prior year. Reeder also said the district’s Community Schools initiative will offer adult English‑as‑a‑new‑language classes in partnership with the Hyde Park Library beginning Sept. 24.
Dr. Roman also told the board that Dutchess County printed school tax bills for county districts with an error: the mailed bills do not display STAR exemption lines, although the total amount due is correct. He advised taxpayers that digital copies available on the district website show exemptions and encouraged families to contact the district office by phone for assistance.
On human resources, a district HR speaker reported that the district was accepted into the League of Innovative Schools and launched a "presidential perks" program to provide staff discounts and other benefits. The HR representative said the department plans to shift from procedural tasks toward strategic HR and career development as staffing and space permit.
Other items Dr. Roman mentioned included back‑to‑school rituals at Haviland Middle School to mark Sept. 11, visits by the Roosevelt Fire Department and Hyde Park Police Department, and the district’s new HMH literacy curriculum rollout.
