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Residents press Westbury district on device rules, Smart Schools hearing and building projects
Summary
Public commenters asked about classroom laptop use, the Smart Schools Investment Plan hearing and proposed bond, delayed vestibule work due to material mandates, temporary storage containers, irrigation installation, and a design study to ease Powell's Lane congestion; district staff answered and scheduled the hearing for next Tuesday.
Several residents used the Westbury Board planning meeting Sept. 10 to raise questions about district technology policy, a planned Smart Schools Investment Plan hearing and a set of facilities projects.
Chester McGibbon asked whether the district has a classroom laptop‑use policy in addition to its cell‑phone/personal device rules. A district instructional‑technology representative said the cell‑phone policy refers broadly to internet‑enabled personal devices (phones, smartwatches) while Chromebooks supplied by the district are intended for instructional use. The district also maintains an acceptable‑use policy reviewed with students at the start of each year.
McGibbon also asked about agenda item 7f, the Smart Schools Investment Plan. The board said a public hearing on the plan — and any related bond question — is scheduled for next Tuesday immediately before the board meeting; details will be presented at that hearing.
Resident Isabella Hamilton Lomax asked about building‑project timelines and temporary storage units. A facilities representative said vestibule work is delayed because required materials (described as state‑recommended "bulletproof" materials) are backordered and the district now expects completion toward the end of the school year. The irrigation system at the middle school is scheduled to be installed in the coming week, and storage containers currently on site are temporary while staff work to identify a more permanent and aesthetically appropriate location.
On traffic, McGibbon asked about agenda item 7g, a traffic‑flow improvement analysis for Powell’s Lane. Staff said the study is meant to create better egress and ingress on district property so fewer cars queue on the street during arrival and dismissal; the work under consideration is for design approval only (no contract has been awarded) and a start date will be set after the design is approved.
Near the meeting’s close the board moved into executive session to discuss personnel; trustees voted to enter executive session and later returned and adjourned. The Smart Schools hearing and a holiday reception were reiterated before adjournment.
