A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the safety of students following a distressing incident involving a student left unattended on a bus for two and a half hours. A concerned parent, Katie Soil, brought the issue to the board’s attention, emphasizing the anxiety and fear that such incidents cause among parents, especially when it involves non-speaking children who cannot communicate their distress. Soil criticized the delay in notifying parents, describing it as “unacceptable” and “extremely scary.” She proposed implementing technology-based protections, such as ID badges that would provide real-time notifications about students’ whereabouts to parents. Additionally, she advocated for aides on buses to support vulnerable students, noting that previous requests for such measures had been denied.

In response to these concerns, a board member acknowledged the gravity of the situation, labeling it as “our worst nightmare.” They reassured attendees that student safety is a top priority, emphasizing that staff members were visibly upset by the incident and had taken immediate steps to address the issue. Local authorities, including the police and child protective services, were notified promptly, and new protective measures were implemented the following day to prevent any recurrence. The board member also highlighted ongoing plans for a dedicated fleet of district-controlled buses to enhance transportation safety, along with the hiring of trained drivers for special education routes.

The meeting then shifted focus to the contentious topic of cell phone usage in schools. Board members engaged in a discussion on whether to enforce a complete ban or allow some degree of usage. The discussion revealed differing opinions, with some members favoring a total ban to reduce distractions and improve academic performance, while others argued for a more balanced approach that recognizes the role of phones in students’ lives. A suggestion was made to implement designated cell phone-free times rather than an outright ban, with an emphasis on enabling students to develop responsible usage habits.

Public comments further fueled the debate, with speakers presenting arguments both in favor of and against a cell phone ban. One parent, Elena from Tawako, cited statistics indicating that banning cell phones could lead to academic improvements and reduced bullying, while a student, Rebecca Portman, shared her perspective as an incoming freshman, noting that phones often add stress and hinder social interactions. Another speaker, Scender from Montville, described his own phone addiction and the challenges it presents, expressing support for a ban as a means to alleviate the fear of missing out and create a more focused educational environment.

Despite the differing viewpoints, the board appeared to lean towards a middle ground, with plans to gather more data through surveys to inform their decision. Members expressed a desire for a measured, research-based approach, with a focus on supporting teachers and preparing students for real-world scenarios.

In addition to the cell phone policy discussion, the meeting touched on other administrative matters, including the need for a policy on remote participation in board meetings. Concerns were raised about the potential for members to exploit remote attendance to avoid difficult topics, with suggestions for limiting the number of remote participations allowed per year.