Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cell Phone Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board advances first reading of new state-aligned cell-phone policy (55-16)
Summary
Policy & Legislation recommended merging district device and recording rules into revised policy 55-16 to align with New Jersey law: devices banned bell-to-bell with exemptions for health monitoring and IEP/504 needs and limited instructional use permitted with administrative approval.
The board took up first reading of a revised cell-phone policy, policy 55-16, which the Policy & Legislation committee recommended after a July 15 special meeting to align district rules with state law.
Miss Stern summarized the committee's recommendation: devices are to be banned on school grounds "from bell to bell," with exemptions for students who monitor health conditions and for those with IEP or 504 accommodations. The committee noted a broader set of exemptions under state guidance and recommended keeping limited instructional app use when approved by building or district administrators. Board members asked about related technology issues, such as Chromebook access at home; administrators said the district is developing a technology-use policy and will continue to discuss device access in committee.
The board carried the action items related to the P&L agenda on a roll call; some members recorded abstentions on specific items where required.
