Suffern board discusses re-registration for incoming ninth graders, device-free rule and low voter turnout; moves to executive session

The Suffern Central School District Board of Education on May 19 reviewed two district-policy matters and handled routine business before adjourning to executive session to complete the superintendent's annual evaluation after polls close.

Superintendent Dr. Gundersen told the board the policy committee has proposed a first-reading policy that would require incoming ninth graders next school year to re-register with renewed proof of residency (examples cited: lease or rental agreement, a signed affidavit, utility bills or similar supplemental materials). The superintendent said the district will review results from the re-registration of ninth graders and may consider expanding re-registration to other grade levels if warranted.

Dr. Gundersen also discussed the state device-free schools requirement (cited in the meeting as a policy instituted by Governor Hochul effective July 1) that prohibits students from having internet-enabled devices during the school day. He said Suffern had already limited devices for pre-K through eighth grade and removed high-school leniency this year, noted there were implementation "kinks," and said district staff and student committees (including a group convened by Dr. Adler) are developing refinements such as secured pouches and limits on student-owned iPads or laptops.

On procedural business the board approved the minutes from its May 5, 2026 meeting and voted to approve the consent agenda for action items 2.01 through 2.16. The meeting included thanks to election clerks working through the day; board members repeatedly urged eligible residents to vote, with board member Mr. Shapiro delivering an extended appeal about low turnout.

Before adjourning public session the chair asked for a motion to move into executive session to review the superintendent's annual evaluation. The motion was made and seconded and the board voted to enter executive session; the board said it would reconvene public session after polls close and preliminary election and budget results were available.

Next steps: the board scheduled its next regular meeting for June 2 at Suffern High School (retiree recognition will occur before the public business session). The executive session was convened to review the superintendent's evaluation and no other public business was expected to be taken when public session resumes later that evening.