Cohoes BOE holds first reading of revised code of conduct to allow handheld metal detectors and links device policy

The Cohoes City School District Board of Education held a public hearing and first reading July 2 on proposed revisions to the district code of conduct that expand administrators’ authority to use handheld metal detectors and to permit, if necessary and with later discussion, walk-through screening at events.

Superintendent O’Shea told the board the draft code — posted on the district website — “has to do with the use of metal detectors” and that the current plan is to use handheld devices now, with the high school having placed orders and the middle school expected to follow. O’Shea said the language is written to allow broader measures later if risk levels change, but that any use is intended to be “minimally intrusive” and focused on maintaining a safe educational environment.

The board considered the device-language in tandem with a first reading of a student personal electronic device policy. The policy proposes progressive discipline for personal devices: on a first offense a device would be held in the office until the end of the day and returned to the student; on a second offense it would be held until a parent or guardian picks it up, with possible additional disciplinary steps if insubordination occurs. Elementary buildings would use teacher-directed storage ("cubby" or similar) rather than Yondr-style pouches.

O’Shea said the proposed code also references the device policy and that plain-language summaries will be prepared and provided to staff upon hire and to families at appropriate reading levels. The draft directs that public comments be submitted to Ashley Simmons, district clerk; if finalized, the board will consider formal adoption at a later meeting.

Board members asked clarifying questions during the hearing about how the handheld detectors would be used, whether random screening could occur at events, and how exceptions for medical needs or Individualized Education Program/504 accommodations would be handled. O’Shea said the policy includes a process for medical exemptions and for accommodations ordered through a student’s IEP or 504 plan.

The hearing and first reading leave final policy decisions to a subsequent meeting and possible revision after public input.