Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Devices topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gates Chili board adopts Policy 7316 restricting student personal devices during school hours
Summary
The Gates Chili Central School District Board adopted Policy 7316, restricting students from using personal internet-enabled devices during the school day; the board waived a second reading and approved the policy and added it as Appendix D to the district code of conduct.
The Gates Chili Central School District Board of Education on Monday adopted a new policy limiting students’ use of personal internet-enabled devices during the school day.
The board voted unanimously to waive a second reading and approve Policy 7316, which restricts students from using smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds and tablets during instructional time and requires devices to be silenced and stored while school is in session. The district’s superintendent said the change is intended to help students focus, create more equitable learning environments and strengthen classroom connections. The policy framework will be included as Appendix D to the district’s code of conduct.
Board members moved the policy forward as part of the action items on the agenda. The superintendent summarized the implementation plan and noted the district will share more details in the next district newsletter and on back-to-school communications. The superintendent also encouraged families and staff to review forthcoming guidance on enforcement and exceptions.
During opening remarks a board participant praised the year-round work of staff who supported summer programs, saying, "It couldn't be done without the dedication of our staff," a comment the board acknowledged as part of broader preparations for the new school year.
The board approved the policy during the meeting after a motion to waive the second reading. No specific amendments or enforcement protocols were detailed on the record at the meeting; the district said details will be included in upcoming communications to families and staff. The board's action makes the device restriction effective as the district implements its fall procedures and communications.
The board also handled routine personnel and contract matters during the meeting and received the superintendent’s back-to-school staffing update. Next procedural steps for Policy 7316 are district distribution of the policy text and guidance to schools on day-to-day enforcement.
