Shelter Island Board adopts new student device policy; internet-enabled devices restricted during school day

The Shelter Island Union Free School District Board of Education adopted a new student device policy (Policy #7316) at a July 30 special meeting, accepting the Superintendent’s recommendation after multiple public forums and internal meetings. The motion to adopt the policy and delete the district’s prior cell phone rule (Policy #7590) was made by Anthony J. Rando and seconded by Dawn Hedberg; it carried unanimously.

Dr. Brian Doelger, the district superintendent, said the policy is intended to reduce distractions, encourage responsible technology use and provide consistency across school settings while recognizing individual student needs. He defined internet-enabled devices to include smartphones, smartwatches and tablets, and said non-internet devices include calculators and basic fitness trackers. Under the adopted rules, elementary students are strongly discouraged from bringing personal devices; if brought they must be silenced and stored in student cubbies. Secondary students (grades 6–12) must silence and store personal devices in lockers for the entire school day, with an exception allowing students with off-campus lunch privileges to access devices only while off campus during their lunch period.

The Board accepted the Superintendent’s recommendation as Program Actions 4.1 and 4.2 (Adoption of Policy #7316; Deletion of Policy #7590). The motion language recorded in the meeting minutes reads: “BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Board of Education hereby accepts the recommendation of the Superintendent on the following Program Action: 4.1 – 4.2.” The vote was recorded as carried unanimously with five members present.