Board advances first readings on internet safety, concussion protocol, universal pre‑K and special‑education access

HENDRICK HUDSON, N.Y. — The Hendrick Hudson Board of Education conducted first readings and waived readings for several district policies at its May 7 meeting, including policies addressing internet safety, concussion management, universal pre‑kindergarten procedures, confidentiality and access to individualized education program (IEP) records, and services for parentally placed nonpublic school students with disabilities.

The board moved to waive readings and accept the policies for first reading as presented; voice votes were recorded for the waivers. Administrators said the internet safety policy and associated regulations clarify prohibited activity on district devices and networks and define procedures for staff and student training. The policy package included a separate detailed internet safety regulations document outlining specific definitions and training expectations.

On concussion management, presenters said the policy was updated to reflect changes in the New York State Education Department guidelines from 2023. The updated protocol replaces the prior seven‑day standard with an individualized clearance approach and expands the concussion management team and return‑to‑learn procedures.

The universal pre‑K policy is new and was presented as a contingency: the district currently has more pre‑K seats than students but needs a written process in place if funding or enrollment circumstances change. Presenters emphasized the policy sets out steps to identify eligibility and manage limited seats should the district ever face oversubscription.

Administrators also clarified a policy on programs and services for parentally placed nonpublic school students with disabilities, explaining that students who reside in the Hendrick Hudson district but attend nonpublic or private schools remain eligible for certain district services and may contact the district for initial evaluations or services depending on residency and classification.

Board members asked clarifying questions about who qualifies for specific services and how parents request evaluations; district staff described the process for resident children and options for evaluations and interim services.

All of these policy changes are slated to return to the board at a subsequent meeting for final adoption after the first‑reading process and any additional edits.