Board hears update on possible 'way-for-the-day' cell-phone policy and new APPR law

During the superintendent's report on July 15, board members were briefed on a parent meeting about a proposed "way-for-the-day" policy that would require students to keep cell phones away during instructional time.

"The consensus was no, that there isn't [educational value]," the superintendent said, summarizing the parent group's view as the district continues to explore whether and how to limit phones. The superintendent said middle-school teachers will meet with the administrative team on July 31 to discuss logistics, including accommodations for students with social-emotional needs and IEP requirements.

The superintendent also said the district had a candid conversation with a recently appointed regent about foundation aid, mental health and statewide policy matters and that NYSED representatives have offered to meet with the board or a workshop.

On APPR, the superintendent told the board that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new APPR legislation June 28. "We're waiting from her office and from NYSED to put out the parameters and guidelines that we are going to be working under," the superintendent said; the board will reconvene its APPR committee in September to develop a local plan for implementation in the 2025-26 school year.

Board members asked whether cell-phone guidance would include smartwatches and other personal devices; the superintendent replied that school-issued or school-endorsed devices (for example laptops) would be treated differently and that logistics for devices such as smartwatches are part of the discussion.

The board did not adopt a new cell-phone policy at the meeting; the superintendent said a public information session will follow the smaller working group meetings so that the community can weigh in before any policy is advanced to the board for action.