Superintendent: district to pilot implementation of new statewide ‘bell‑to‑bell’ student device law

South River — Superintendent Dr. Zurcher said the district is preparing to implement a new state law that will require students to be restricted from personal internet‑enabled devices "bell to bell" beginning in September.

"This is a law that was just passed in January 2026," Dr. Zurcher said, adding that "it does require that statewide beginning in September, that we implement programs and that we implement a process for students to not have access to their personal devices, or any other device that's Internet enabled, from bell to bell." He said the district plans to pilot procedures this spring and has opened a parent‑feedback form on the district website.

The superintendent noted the law includes exemptions for students who need devices for medical reasons, special‑education services or emergencies. "There are provisions in the law that speak to students who need these devices for medical reasons, for special education or special needs circumstances, and also for emergencies," he said.

Why it matters: The policy change affects every classroom and will require operational changes — storage, supervision and communications with families — before the September start date. Dr. Zurcher said the district will provide parents with information and is considering pilot programs this spring to ease transition.

What the board approved that evening: while the board took routine consent actions covering many agenda items, the superintendent asked the board to note item 3.2 for formal action at a later point; no formal board vote on the device implementation policy occurred at the meeting.

Next steps: district staff will develop implementation procedures, begin limited pilots this spring, invite parent feedback via the district website, and return to the board with recommended policies and operational plans before September.