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Albany board adopts code of conduct and student device policy, defers BYOD changes
Summary
The Albany City School District Board unanimously adopted a revised code of conduct and a student personal‑device policy tonight, deferred changes to the district’s network/BYOD policy for further revision, and pressed staff for clearer translation and family‑contact plans before school starts.
The Albany City School District Board of Education adopted two policy measures and delayed a third during its regular meeting, moving to provide clearer rules on student devices while asking staff for more details on how families who speak languages other than English will contact students during the school day.
Acting Board President Tabitha Wilson presided as the board voted to adopt Policy 5300 (Code of Conduct) and Policy 5695 (Students and Personal Electronic Devices). The board chose not to adopt Policy 4526 (Computer Network and Internet Acceptable Use) tonight, asking staff to return with revised language.
Board members said the adopted device policy aligns with a state requirement to institute a ban on cell phone use during the school day. A policy presenter told the board the regulation for Policy 5695 now includes clearer language about exemptions, noting that some students granted exemptions would keep their phones secured in a non‑locking container rather than carrying them freely.
Members asked staff to clarify how after‑hours access, BYOD access and guest Wi‑Fi should be reflected in policy wording. An unidentified technology staff member said the district does not plan to eliminate network access for students after school and suggested reinstating BYOD language with parameters that specify after‑hours use and device registration requirements. "We're not planning to eliminate the opportunity to join the network," that staff member said.
Board member Savage urged faster clarity on translation and family‑contact procedures with school openings only weeks away, saying the regulation's language — "translation services will be utilized when needed" — was too vague. Superintendent Hockrider said the district is reviewing its communication platforms and that Mr. Lesko is leading an effort to narrow the number of apps used across schools. Hockrider also said she has raised the challenge with the governor as part of discussions about potential technology funding.
Board members proposed interim solutions such as assigning Google Voice numbers for individual schools with voicemail transcription, or using outsourced answering services, as stopgap ways to ensure parents can reach students or school staff in an emergency. The board asked staff to return with revised policy and regulation language at the next meeting so it can consider adoption of Policy 4526 after changes are made.
The board’s motion to adopt Policies 5300 and 5695 passed unanimously among members present; the record notes two members were absent at the vote. The district did not adopt Policy 4526 and directed staff to prepare revised language for a future meeting.
