The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Board of Education held the second reading of its updated cell phone policy 5300.31, at a workshop on July 14, making adjustments to comply with the newly enacted Education Law 2803, which governs the use of internet-enabled devices in schools.
The revised policy maintains the current approach for elementary and middle school students (grades K-8), with no changes to existing practices, except for the inclusion of smartwatches in the category of “internet-enabled devices.” District officials noted that current regulations for these grade levels already align with the requirements of the new state law.
For high school students (grades 9-12), the Board has endorsed a continuation of many aspects of the cell phone policy implemented last year through a shared decision-making process within the High School Planning Council. However, in direct response to Education Law 2803, a significant adjustment has been made: students will no longer be permitted to use their cell phones or internet-connected devices at any point during the school day, from the beginning of Block 1 until the end of Block 4. This includes homeroom, passing time, and lunch.
To facilitate compliance, the district will utilize lockers as a designated storage option for high school students. Students will be able to place their phones in their lockers at the start of the day and retrieve them at dismissal. Additionally, students are permitted to carry their internet-connected devices, provided these devices are placed on silent mode or powered down prior to the first bell.
Should students choose to keep their internet-connected devices with them, the district will continue its practice of requiring these devices to be placed into pouches during all instructional time periods. This measure reinforces the policy’s emphasis that phones must not be on a student’s person or in their possession during class time.
The high school administration has been tasked with developing a comprehensive set of disciplinary consequences for any violations of these new regulations. District leadership expressed confidence in the student body’s ability to adapt.
“Building on the successful implementation of last year’s policy,” High School Principal Tim Brunson said, “we are confident that our students will collaborate with the administration and recognize the inherent value of this updated policy.”
Draft Policy 5300.31 and Administrative Regulation 5300.31 are posted for public comment. Please submit any feedback or questions to Superintendent Dr. Patrick McGrath or High School Principal Tim Brunson.