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Pleasantville board adopts state-mandated policy limiting students’ use of internet-enabled devices
Summary
The Pleasantville Board of Education approved Policy 73-16 on Aug. 5, 2025, adopting a New York State–required restriction on internet-enabled student devices. The policy (effective Sept. 1) sets districtwide storage rules, lists exceptions for school-issued devices and IEP/medical/legal needs, and requires a one-year public report on enforcement.
The Pleasantville Board of Education voted on Aug. 5, 2025, to adopt Policy 73-16, the district’s rule on the use of internet‑enabled devices during the school day, to comply with a recent New York State requirement. The motion for a second reading was made and seconded and the board approved the policy by voice vote.
Under the policy as described at the meeting, the restriction applies across district campuses beginning with the upcoming school year; students must keep personal internet‑enabled devices (commonly described as smartphones and similar devices) stored daily in backpacks or lockers unless an exception applies. District officials cited explicit exceptions for school‑issued devices used for instruction, individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan accommodations, medical or legally required communications, and other educational uses. District-issued iPads and other filtered devices were described as exempt because they remain district property and include content filters that operate at school and at home.
Trustees and administrators emphasized that the policy’s disciplinary provisions are tied to the district’s existing code of conduct: the law, as explained at the meeting, bars suspending a student solely for a first device‑specific violation. The district must also publish enforcement data one year after implementation, reporting how the code of conduct was applied in device cases so the state can track implementation. Chair (Speaker 1) said the adoption is a compliance step and described the policy as a learning process that will be informed by students, parents and teachers.
The policy was described by administrators at the meeting as posted under the district’s technology page and required to be ready for Sept. 1; board members said they will communicate details via ParentSquare, the district website and other channels before school starts. The board did not amend the text at the meeting; board members said the policy may be further adjusted with community feedback once it is implemented.
The next procedural step noted in the meeting was routine public communication and staff training ahead of the school-year start. The board approved the consent agenda later in the evening, and the meeting adjourned with plans for further public outreach on implementation.
