Parent Questions District's Tablet Policy During IEE Review Meeting

The Klamath County School Special Board meeting held on August 22, 2025, addressed several key issues regarding student technology use and special education evaluations.

The meeting began with a review of the Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) results from May 19. It was noted that the evaluation was incomplete due to a missed step, prompting the board to pause further discussions until social observations could be conducted.

A significant topic of discussion involved the use of technology by students, particularly regarding a student's request to use her phone for text-to-speech capabilities. The board explained that laptops had been removed from student use due to misuse, leading to a decision to require students to use specific school-issued tablets. However, concerns were raised about the lack of instruction provided to the student on how to operate the school’s devices, which differed from those she was accustomed to at home.

The student's parent expressed frustration that despite prior discussions about the need for training on the school devices, no support was offered throughout the school year. This lack of guidance left the student unable to effectively use the required technology, impacting her learning experience.

In response to the situation, the student prepared rebuttals to the board's previous statements regarding her phone usage, advocating for her needs and the necessity of proper training on the school’s technology.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address these technology and training issues, ensuring that all students receive the necessary support to succeed in their educational environment. Further follow-up actions were anticipated to resolve these concerns and improve communication between the school and families.