Lenox School Committee Adopts Amended Tech Policy in 8-1 Vote

LENOX — June 4, 2026 — Lenox School Committee approves technology use policy with amendment, flags growing capital needs. The committee voted 8-1 on June 4 to adopt Policy GBEE governing personal use of technology by school staff, after first unanimously amending the policy to clarify it applies to "paid employees and volunteers" — a change intended to cover coaches, advisors, and outside program partners. Member Jason cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about restrictions on coaches communicating with team leadership groups such as captains; the committee directed its policy subcommittee to continue the review with Athletic Director Carl and high school Principal Christopher Barnes before fall sports begin. The committee also voted unanimously to create a new tuition account for Mountainside Preschool revenue, accept FY26 student activity accounts, and continue school choice participation. Facilities Director Steve Soule reported a new chiller arrived at Muddy Brook Elementary by crane the morning of the meeting. Member Bill flagged a list of capital needs from the buildings and grounds subcommittee, including a replacement scoreboard estimated at $75,000, a deteriorating track surface, cracked tennis courts, solar panel replacement estimated at $275,000 with an $82,000 rebate, and roofs on the 21-year-old middle and elementary school buildings projected to need replacement within a decade. Superintendent Peter Dillon noted the district awarded more than $700,000 in community-based scholarships at the high school Senior Awards Ceremony earlier that day.