Board adopts staff recording policy, considers changes to high-school phone rules and approves consent agenda

At the meeting the board took several formal actions and discussed a high-school phone-policy revision.

Policy adoption: The board held a second reading and adopted Policy 97D (recording workplace conversations). Dr. Ackerman described the policy as staff-facing: "This is for staff. It's not for parents," and explained the policy requires that staff who want to record meetings obtain the permission of everyone present. The board adopted the policy by voice vote.

Cell-phone policy (first reading): Administrators presented proposed adjustments to Policy 50-31 (Internet-enabled device policy) to comply with state requirements and curb noninstructional distractions in high-school spaces. Under the draft change administrators proposed district-issued, non-lockable classroom pouches and district pouches for use in non-instructional spaces (cafeteria, library, hallways) to replace the prior allowance of keeping phones in pockets or backpacks. Dr. Ackerman said the district will collect feedback from parents, staff and students before the policy committee finalizes recommendations.

Consent agenda and contracts: The board approved a bundled consent agenda (items 5.1-5.13) covering textbooks, equipment disposals, purchase orders and several contracts (including an AV-technician contract and rental/operator services for large events) and authorized purchase orders such as a generator maintenance award and an agreement with Brewster Ice Arena for hockey. Board members asked clarifying questions about which items are recurring expenses and how shared costs for the hockey rink are billed to participating districts.

Other approvals: The board moved and approved recommended personnel actions (instructional and non-instructional), acknowledged superintendent-approved contracts (items 6.1-6.3), and accepted the claims auditor report for September 2025.