Pelham BOE adopts internet-enabled device policy, signaling phased shift to phone-free classrooms

The Pelham Union Free School District Board of Education voted June 25 to adopt a new internet-enabled device use policy that formally changes how students will use phones and other internet-enabled devices in district schools.

The board waived a third reading and then adopted the policy by vote. Superintendent Dr. Champ and board policy chair Sid led the discussion, and district staff indicated they will incorporate the policy into student and staff handbooks and begin communications to families prior to the school year.

"Waive the third reading tonight and adopt," a board member said during the meeting; the board then voted unanimously with the motion to adopt. The policy was described in meeting materials as the district's framework for restricting student access to personal internet-enabled devices during the school day and moving toward a phone-free environment at the secondary level.

District leaders said the policy will be paired with practical measures already piloted this school year. "We did implement the calculator holders for phones. That was a step in the right direction," Dr. Champ said, describing a pilot that staff and administrators said reduced distractions in classrooms. The superintendent said a full phone-free plan and procedures were being finalized and communications would be ready for families before school starts.

Board members signaled they want student representatives to report on implementation; the district is recruiting student board members and expected to appoint them effective July 1. The superintendent and administrators indicated school leaders and staff will have time to incorporate the new rule in handbooks and to finalize logistical elements such as phone lockers and parent communications.

No amendment to the policy was put to a roll-call vote during the meeting and board discussion did not identify an implementation date beyond the administration's plan to finalize procedures this summer and communicate during the August/September window.

The board also approved Policy 1210 (nomination and election of board members) at the same meeting, and the administration said it would circulate the updated policies and timeline for communication to families and staff.

The vote was recorded as unanimous with no board members identified as opposed.

District staff and board members said they will monitor the rollout and expect student leaders to help provide feedback on how the policy works in classrooms.