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Burrillville school committee adopts strict cell‑phone policy, OKs budget transfers and fund reappropriations
Summary
The Burrillville School Committee on June 9 approved a district cell‑phone policy to comply with new state law, voted to reappropriate CTE revolving funds and undesignated reserves to shore up FY27 costs, and approved routine consent items including a Lifetouch bid and personnel leaves.
The Burrillville School Committee voted June 9 to adopt a new district cell‑phone policy and approved a series of budget moves intended to close gaps ahead of the new fiscal year.
The committee approved Policy 3422 — the district cell‑phone policy revised to comply with new Rhode Island law that takes effect in 2026‑27 — after a first reading and discussion. Superintendent Dr. Sledo said the policy requires that "all cell phones have to be off and away during the school day," while allowing administrators some flexibility about the exact protocol and medical or 504 exceptions for students who rely on phone apps for accessibility.
The policy will proceed to a second reading in July so the district can finalize implementation details before the start of school in August. Dr. Sledo told trustees building‑level administrators will determine whether phones are stored in backpacks or another receptacle and that the district will notify parents once the protocol is set.
On budget matters, the superintendent reported there remains "about a $300,000 discrepancy" between the school department's FY27 request and the town manager's recommendation. To address the shortfall, the committee approved three measures: receiving and filing the FY26 close‑out actions and transfers, authorizing use of up to $300,000 (likely closer to $200,000) from the CTE revolving fund if needed, and reappropriating $120,000 from undesignated fund balance to stabilize higher health‑insurance rates (reported at roughly 12.5 percent). Dr. Sledo said the House Finance Committee's recent actions also added about $125,000 in state aid for the district, which would reduce the remaining gap depending on how the town allocates that aid.
Routine business proceeded as well: the committee approved the May 12 minutes, a warrant for expenditures, and a one‑year contract for Lifetouch Photography for secondary schools. The board also approved several leaves of absence and the student handbook for 2026‑27 with minor consistency edits.
Committee members said they want clear parent communication about the cell‑phone protocol and emphasized that school leaders will finalize the operational details. The superintendent said a brief special meeting will be scheduled (June 15 at 9 a.m. was proposed) to recall teachers if the town council approves the budget adjustments.
The committee concluded the meeting having advanced the cell‑phone policy and several fiscal steps intended to stabilize the coming year’s budget.
