Education committee recommends middle-school STEM special and end of BYOD; district to issue devices in 2025–26

The education committee reported Jan. 9 on several instructional adjustments for 2025–26, including schedule changes at the middle‑school level to add a STEM special, and recommended ending the current district BYOD (bring‑your‑own‑device) program so students will use district‑issued computers beginning in the 2025–26 school year.

Mark Cataldi described a proposed middle‑school schedule that creates a STEM special to give teachers planning time to incorporate new Pennsylvania standards for science, technology, engineering and environmental literacy set to take effect in 2025–26. The revised advisory period was described as redesigned to allow time for IEP services, work completion, world‑language options, structured supports, and additional art and music where appropriate.

Cataldi said the schedule change would require additional staff; the committee packet showed a proposal for three new teachers to support the revised middle‑school schedule. The committee said curriculum work and parent presentations for the middle school would continue this year.

Doctor Simindera (committee presenter) reviewed classroom cell‑phone procedures and the district's BYOD experience. Principals reported that elementary students generally do not bring devices; middle‑school students keep phones in lockers; high‑school teachers use caddies in about 70 percent of classrooms to collect phones during instructional time. The committee noted that BYOD increases access and honesty concerns, creates additional burdens for teachers, and raises security issues when home computers are used for instruction and assessments. Given testing moves to online platforms, the committee recommended accelerating the end of the BYOD program and replacing it with district‑issued computers starting in 2025–26.

The education committee will continue curriculum work and schedule presentations for parents ahead of implementation.