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Byram Hills board hears first read of ‘bell‑to‑bell’ student device policy requiring exemptions and annual reporting
Summary
The board held first readings of five annual policies and a new draft policy (5,695) that would restrict internet‑enabled devices "from bell to bell," allow exemptions (Section 504, health, translation, caregiver duties), require on‑site storage and mandate an annual enforcement report to the state beginning Sept. 2026.
At its June 10 meeting the Byram Hills Board gave first readings to five annual‑review policies and a new draft, Policy 5,695, titled Student Use of Internet‑Enabled Devices. The board accepted the policies as first reads and asked for additional review by auditors and stakeholders before final action.
Jean (Speaker 3) summarized the new device policy draft and emphasized its core requirement: "This is to restrict the use of all Internet enabled devices for our students, from bell to bell," except when explicitly approved for instructional use. The draft would require the district to provide at least one on‑site storage method for students, outline consequences aligned with the code of conduct, and prohibit device access during standardized testing.
The draft also lists exemptions: students who need technology to manage health conditions, students requiring translation or assistive technology, those with accommodations or modifications under Section 504, and students who are caregivers with routine responsibilities for a household member. Jean said emergency use would be permitted with teacher or administrator permission. The district will also prepare a process to ensure parents and guardians can contact students during the school day and to notify stakeholders of expectations.
Speakers emphasized process and review: the policy committee will continue stakeholder feedback (including principals, union leaders, students and parents) and the district will have auditors review finance‑related policies (investments, purchasing) noted alongside the device policy first reads. Jean told the board the district must have the device policy in place by Aug. 1 to meet implementation timelines and added the state will require an annual website report on enforcement and any infractions, effective Sept. 2026.
Board members raised operational questions about laptops and BYOD; Jean said Internet‑enabled personal devices used for instruction would be allowed through the district network and filtered access. The board voted to accept the five policies and the new device policy as first reads in a voice vote; no final adoption occurred at the meeting and additional stakeholder consultation was pledged.
