Board advances second reading of Policy #7316 on student internet-enabled devices

The Central Square Central School District Board of Education on Aug. 25 approved the second reading of Proposed District Policy #7316, "Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day." The board approved the Items for Discussion and Action, which included the policy, by a motion (Fischmann/Morey) carried unanimously.

Superintendent Thomas J. Colabufo said the district must follow external guidelines rather than create a local rule and described how the policy will be implemented: "We will start with lockers being the designated place for the cell phones, but if this does not work out, we will have to purchase pouches, which we have been allocated $18,000 to purchase them, and we have found them cheaper." The minutes record the allocation amount and the district's contingency plan to purchase pouches if locker storage proves impractical.

The policy advanced by second reading in the meeting packet is intended to align school practice with the referenced guidelines. The board did not record additional substantive amendments to the policy in the minutes; supporting documents and the full policy text are filed in the District Clerk's supplemental materials. The motion to approve Items for Discussion and Action (including H.1) was made by Kristy Fischmann, seconded by Casey Morey, and passed 6–0.

The board will include the approved policy language in its formal policy book and implement the initial locker-based approach at the start of the school year; the minutes do not specify exact enforcement mechanics, timelines, or the vendor for any pouches.