Board holds first reading of extreme-heat policy and discusses new state cell-phone mandate

The East Meadow Union Free School District board held a first reading of Policy 81 13, a new district policy addressing extreme heat conditions that the superintendent said is mandated by the New York State Department of Education. The item was presented as a first reading; the board scheduled a second reading for Aug. 6.

Superintendent Rosner told the board the policy will set district procedures for days with extreme heat; tonight’s appearance was explicitly noted as a first reading and no vote was taken on the policy.

Separately, Rosner said the district is drafting a cell-phone policy to comply with a new state law requiring schools to restrict students’ internet-connected devices during the school day. He said the district will discuss the draft policy with the board and then send a letter to the community explaining next steps and enforcement. Rosner said transportation routes and dismissal times are unchanged despite adjustments elsewhere in the district calendar.

Why it matters: Policy 81 13 would govern school responses to extreme heat events, which can affect daily schedules, outdoor activities and student safety. The cell-phone policy arises from a statutory change at the state level that requires district-level implementation and communication with families.

Next steps: The extreme-heat policy will return for a second reading on Aug. 6; the superintendent said staff will bring the proposed cell-phone policy to the board for discussion and communicate the details to families in a follow-up letter.