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Pittsford board to add non‑voting student members, will study high‑school cell‑phone rules
Summary
Superintendent said a change in state education law requires student voice on boards; the board will amend Policy 12‑10 to add non‑voting, unpaid student members (one from Mendon and one from Sutherland), and will solicit community input on proposed high‑school cell‑phone restrictions this spring.
PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The board was told it must revise Policy 12‑10 in response to a change in education law that requires districts to include student voice on governing boards.
Superintendent Pero explained on March 11 that the proposed amendment would create ex‑officio student board members — likely one senior from Mendon and one from Sutherland High School — who would not vote, attend executive sessions or be paid. The administration outlined multiple selection methods under consideration, including election by the student body, selection by high‑school student government, appointment by a principal, or selection by the superintendent or majority board vote.
Separately, the superintendent previewed upcoming work on high‑school cell‑phone policy. The district said middle schools already enforce an ‘out of sight’ phone rule and that the board will evaluate less‑restrictive starting points for high schools, solicit feedback during a power hour and aim to finalize language in the May–June timeframe to communicate changes in summer mailings.
Board members and administrators said they will develop logistics for the student members and bring a revised policy to the board for formal action.
