District Update
June 9, 2025
A Message From Dr. Brown-Hall
Welcome to the District update!
As we are now just a few weeks away from the end of the school year, I want to remind our school community that the comment period for the Distraction-Free School Zones proposal closes on Tuesday, June 24th. The feedback form is available on the District website.
I also want to clarify to our school community that Distraction-free learning is a New York State mandate that was part of the Governor’s legislative and budget agenda. We reviewed the initial set of feedback received last week and wanted to reiterate some information. Since February, we have shared the Governor’s proposal in the bi-weekly District and school newsletters. I want to encourage you, if you have no done so, to read the Governor’s legislation and then our proposal, which is included in this week’s newsletter as well: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1747916622/williamsvillek12org/tsndkahq2xz0tdpj2n3x/EdLawTitle2Section552803.pdf
This is a bell-to-bell policy and includes all personal, internet-enabled devices. The bell-to-bell restriction is defined in the Governor’s legislation as being from the first bell to the last bell of the school day. This also includes passing time, free periods, and study halls.
Next, while there is a limited scope of exceptions outlined in the Governor’s proposal, we will have procedures in place in accordance with those.
Finally, as Mr. Bowen shared during his proposal presentation, this will be an adjustment at the high school level. We will work with our students to make sure they are knowledgeable with their lockers — not just knowing where they are but how to use them.
The last Board of Education Meeting for this academic year is tomorrow night. The re-organizational meeting and selection of Board leadership will take place on Tuesday, July 1st. This will also be the first meeting for our new student Board of Education Members.
Don’t forget, the last student school day is Wednesday, June 25th, which is a half day. Reminders have been shared through WITS, newsletters, and social media. Please also be sure to check the WITS event calendar for end of year celebrations and half day designations. If you have any questions about those items, please contact your building principal or assistant principal.
Please continue to work hard – and finish the year strong!
