School Board Discusses Student Device Refresh and Communication Issues

The Mifflin County School District (MCSD) Board convened on August 28, 2025, to discuss key updates regarding student technology and staffing adjustments. The meeting highlighted significant financial decisions and operational changes aimed at enhancing educational resources while managing costs.

One of the primary topics was the projected savings of approximately $901,000 on student electronic device refreshes. Mr. Cunningham presented a plan to consolidate and optimize technology resources, emphasizing the importance of monitoring device usage across grade levels. He noted that second and third graders were using their devices for about 22 to 28 minutes daily, which raised questions about the effectiveness of current technology integration in classrooms.

The board acknowledged the need for ongoing evaluation of technology use, especially with upcoming testing periods. Concerns were raised about communication breakdowns regarding technology implementation, which the board aims to address moving forward. The discussion included the allocation of resources, with the board confirming that English Language Arts (ELA) and math components were included in the purchased technology.

In addition to technology discussions, the board approved the hiring of two additional teachers to support the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in second grade. This decision was made in light of the savings from the technology refresh, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining educational quality while being fiscally responsible.

The meeting also touched on the district's inventory of technology, with nearly 400 desktop computers still in use at the county high school. Board members discussed the balance between maintaining older devices and investing in new technology, likening the situation to owning a used car that, while functional, may become costlier to maintain over time.

Overall, the MCSD Board emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptation of both technology and staffing to ensure that educational needs are met effectively. The board plans to revisit these discussions regularly to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.