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Bay Shore board adopts updated student electronic‑device policy; debate focuses on lockers, pouches and logistics
Summary
Following state guidance, the board rescinded a prior policy and adopted an updated version of board policy 5695 governing student personal electronic devices. The board and administrators discussed operational challenges—lockers vs. pouches vs. caddies, dismissal timing, buses, smartwatches and parent contact—especially at the high‑school level.
The Bay Shore Union Free School District Board of Education voted to rescind a previously adopted student‑device rule and to adopt an updated policy to comply with guidance from the governor’s office.
At the August work session administrators said new state guidance removed backpacks as an allowable student storage option, which shifted local planning toward lockers or pouches. Dr. Maloney told the board the guidance came ‘‘from the governor’s office’’ and required the district to amend its policy. The board voted in public session to rescind the earlier policy (board item E2) and to adopt an updated student and personal electronic devices policy (board item E3); both motions passed by voice vote with “Aye” recorded.
Many board members, the high‑school principal (Mr. Gordon) and student representative David raised operational questions. David said many juniors and seniors ‘‘haven’t used lockers since middle school’’ and asked how students would be helped to adjust during the first weeks. Administrators said they planned practice and communication before the school year opener and suggested using building‑level planning time and staged PD for staff. Mr. Gordon and others discussed options including assigning lockers by first‑period classroom, installing smaller electronic lockers near classrooms, or supplying pouches; presenters noted each option would impose costs and operational changes.
Administrators also flagged enforcement and edge cases: bathroom breaks, students moving between classes, seniors on split schedules, smartwatch connectivity to phones stored in lockers, and parents who expect frequent contact during the day. The presenters said elementary students would use teacher‑designated storage areas and that secondary students would be expected to keep devices in lockers and retrieve them at dismissal. The board heard multiple suggestions and agreed implementation would require additional planning, potential grants or capital expense for locker upgrades, and clear building‑level procedures.
Ending: The board adopted the updated policy to meet the state requirement and directed administrators to finalize building procedures, communicate expectations to families and staff, and return with operational details, timelines and estimated costs for locker/pouch solutions.
