District reports smooth start for personal tech policy; launches instructional-technology engagement process

Superintendent Dr. McHugh told the board on Sept. 22 that the district—s new personal-technology policy has been implemented at the start of the school year and that he has observed few problems in buildings: students are not using phones or smartwatches during the school day and “teachers seem happier,” he said. Dr. McHugh said parent response has been positive overall and that the district intends to treat instructional technology as more than just devices—planning a community engagement process to explore how devices are used in instruction. He named Dr. Webster, Faisal Baig and communications staff as participants and said the district will conduct broad engagement with families and staff as it reviews instructional-technology practices. The communications presentation earlier in the meeting also referenced the personal tech rollout and the website and analytics used to reach families. The superintendent and staff said the instructional-technology review will include community input, building-level engagement and a report back to the board at a later date.