In a spirited discussion at the Keystone Central School District's special voting meeting on August 21, 2025, school officials tackled the pressing issue of student attire and technology use within classrooms. The meeting, held in a conference room filled with educators and administrators, focused on the enforcement of existing policies regarding hooded clothing and cell phone usage.

Butch, a member of the board, expressed his concerns about students wearing hoods in classrooms, noting that it often leads to distractions during lessons. "If our policies are followed to the t, there should be no issue," he stated, emphasizing the need for consistency in enforcing rules. He highlighted that students often wear hoods with earbuds in, which detracts from their learning experience.

The conversation quickly shifted to the role of cell phones in schools. Butch pointed out that many students use their phones to cheat during tests, sending messages to each other about answers. He advocated for stricter enforcement of the existing handbook rules that prohibit phone use during instructional time. "We have to be firm and make sure every teacher knows they are not to have a phone out during instructional periods," he urged.

Another board member, Bill, echoed Butch's sentiments, suggesting that the potential negatives of having cell phones in school outweigh any benefits. He proposed that phones should be completely banned during school hours, stored in lockers instead. The discussion underscored a shared belief among board members that distractions from technology hinder educational progress.

As the meeting progressed, the topic of hooded clothing resurfaced. Board members agreed that while students can wear hoodies, the hoods should remain down while inside the school. "We need to tell them no hoods, no hats," Butch insisted, advocating for a clear and firm stance on the matter.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit these policies and ensure that all staff are aligned on enforcement. As the school year approaches, the Keystone Central School District is poised to implement these changes, aiming to create a more focused and distraction-free learning environment for its students.