Anne Hutchinson generator, renovations and student-device policy highlighted in start-of-year operations update

District administrators and staff updated the Board of Education on facility work and several operational items at the Sept. 9 meeting.

Dr. Meyer, district administrator, said summer construction work left visible upgrades — renovated cafeterias, new bathrooms and HVAC improvements — and that contractors will continue finishing work after school hours. He told the board a temporary generator is in place at Anne Hutchinson to support a new HVAC chiller; the generator uses sound-reducing blankets but will produce noise while it runs. Dr. Meyer said it is intended as a temporary measure tied to system commissioning and will be turned off once permanent power arrangements are available and weather allows.

The district also announced a new "chain of communication" resource on its website to guide families to the correct staff or office for questions about schools, budgets or food service. Dr. Meyer said the district will send an interest survey in coming weeks about the National School Lunch Program and possible adoption of universal free lunch; he said participation is optional for districts and the survey will inform whether Eastchester pursues the program.

On student safety and equipment, Dr. Meyer reminded families that, under town rules, e-bikes and e-scooters require riders to be 16 or older and to use appropriate safety equipment. Separately, during public comment trustees noted an ongoing device policy: the district said it has adopted a device policy (described as prohibiting use "bell to bell") that limits smartphone use during instructional periods.

Administrators asked for patience from neighbors around Anne Hutchinson while the temporary generator remains in use during system commissioning and said they will turn it off as soon as feasible once the permanent systems are online.