Parents press board for clearer rationale on principal reassignments and call for ed‑tech policy review

Three parents used the public‑comment period to press the board for clearer communication about a leadership reassignment between Slingerlands and Ellir and to request a district process to review digital device and screen‑use policy.

Laura Bender, speaking as a parent of an Ellir student, said she is "not here to discuss any individual employee" but asked for clarity on the decision and its intended educational benefits. "What specific educational benefit is expected from this change? And why is this the right time to make it?" she asked, noting that the district is also planning major renovation‑related relocations next year.

Ziggy Majimdar, a Slingerlands parent, asked the board to hold a dedicated meeting to review and improve digital‑device and screen‑use policies. He recommended quarterly followups and urged the district to examine evidence about ed‑tech's effects on attention, learning and health, especially in K–8. "Parents across our community are noticing the negative impact of school‑based technology on our children's learning," he said, offering to volunteer on the review process.

Michael Trefleti also spoke as an Ellir parent and described his children's confusion and sadness on hearing about the leadership change; he urged more substantive community explanation beyond generic messaging about "fresh perspectives."

Board response and next steps: board members reiterated that personnel matters cannot be debated in public sessions; the chair encouraged parents to submit written comments to the superintendent and board. No board action on personnel was taken at this meeting.

Provenance: Public comments on leadership reassignment and ed‑tech begin with Laura Bender's remarks (topicintro: SEG 1526) and continue through the speakers' subsequent statements (topfinish: SEG 1799).