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Huntley District to end kindergarten 1-to-1 device model; move to shared classroom sets next year
Summary
The Huntley Community School District 158 will transition away from issuing individual devices to kindergarten students next school year and instead provide small (six-to-eight) classroom device sets, citing developmental appropriateness and teacher support. Students with IEP-related needs will retain access to devices as required.
The Huntley Community School District 158 will change its kindergarten technology approach next school year, moving away from a 1-to-1 device model and toward shared classroom sets of roughly six to eight devices, the district’s assistant superintendent for learning and innovation said at the March 13 board meeting.
Dr. Ramirez, assistant superintendent for learning and innovation, said the recommendation follows a review of digital platforms, curriculum alignment and research on developmental appropriateness for early learners. "We have decided to transition away from a 1 to 1 device model at the kindergarten level for next year to a small 6 to 8 class set of devices that teachers will have in their room," Dr. Ramirez said.
Nut graf: District leaders said the shift is intended to prioritize hands-on, face-to-face learning for young students while retaining balanced technology use and accommodating students who require devices for Individualized Education Program (IEP) services.
What the change means: The district will place a limited number of devices in each kindergarten classroom for shared use during developmentally appropriate activities rather than issuing each kindergartner a personal device. Dr. Ramirez said teachers and building administrators supported the change and that the technology department identified storage solutions to make shared devices portable and accessible across classes.
Students with IEPs or specialized needs will continue to receive device access where required. Dr. Ramirez said the district will provide device access based on "what students' intended needs are" and will maintain a process to ensure those students can complete online assessments and required work.
Costs and implementation: District staff said cost savings were not the primary reason for the policy change, though they noted some long-term savings are possible. The district will begin parent communications, staff training and logistical planning ahead of next school year. Technology staff identified small carrying cases to aid storage and classroom sharing.
Next steps: District leaders said they will communicate the change to parents, develop teacher guidance and prepare training and storage logistics; a timeline for family notices and exact classroom set sizes will be finalized in coming weeks. Dr. Ramirez concluded the presentation by inviting questions from the board; board members voiced support and asked for clarity that fiscal motives were not the primary driver of the change.
Ending: School officials said the move aims to better align kindergarten instruction with developmental research while preserving targeted device access for students with documented needs.
