Batavia board adopts New York State‑required ban on internet‑enabled devices for grades 7–12, will use state funds to buy storage pouches

The Batavia City School District Board of Education approved a district policy restricting Internet‑enabled devices during the school day for students in grades 7 through 12, Superintendent Mister Smith said, and will post the policy on the district website to secure a $10,000 state reimbursement for storage supplies.

Smith told the board the district surveyed families, students and staff (about 208–209 total responses reported) and recommended adopting the policy as the second reading. He said the top concerns cited in survey comments were disruption to learning, exposure to inappropriate online content and reduced in‑person social interaction. "The law does not allow for that," Smith said when asked about limited access during passing time; he added that medical and IEP/504 exceptions are outlined in the proposed policy.

Why it matters: The vote changes daily routines for older students and requires practical steps—collection, secure storage and staff oversight—before the policy is executed. Smith described a proposed implementation that uses branded pouches collected each morning and stored in lockable cabinets or portable boxes rather than fixed student lockers, citing space and entry/exit constraints in some buildings.

Key details: Smith said New York State provided $10,000 to purchase supplies and that the district estimates buying roughly 1,000 pouches; lockable cabinets were quoted "just over $300 apiece," a district figure Smith cited while explaining procurement choices. The district will post an FAQ on ParentSquare and on its website and accepted questions from principals and staff as part of the rollout. Smith said the district must post the policy and acknowledge it to New York State by Aug. 1 to be eligible for the reimbursement and expects to finalize implementation details in August.

Enforcement and exceptions: Smith said the state law limits discipline options: possession alone is not a suspension offense, but repeated refusal to comply could be treated as insubordination or a disciplinary violation. He emphasized that exceptions for medical needs and IEP/504 accommodations would remain in place and that classroom or principal‑authorized educational uses are possible with advance notice.

Board concerns: Members raised practical questions about daily collection, potential human error (students taking the wrong pouch), theft or damage, staffing impacts, bus pickup logistics and how parents of students who are picked up by different caregivers would be notified. Smith said staff would be reassigned to manage collection and storage, teachers would not be personally liable for lost devices, and the district would use ParentSquare and its website to communicate changes and answer questions.

Next steps: The policy was approved as a consent item by voice vote during the meeting. The district will finalize implementation logistics over the summer, publish FAQs on ParentSquare and the district website, and post the policy to meet the state deadline for funding.