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District launches elementary technology advisory, seeks new filtering RFP after parents raise safety and screen‑time concerns
Summary
After reports that some filtering tools missed inappropriate content, the district launched an Elementary Technology Advisory Committee, will issue an RFP for a new internet filter, and will pilot clearer parent opt‑in/opt‑out settings and community education on digital citizenship.
Canyons School District staff told the board Thursday they will convene an Elementary Technology Advisory Committee and seek new vendor proposals for web‑filtering systems after parents and staff raised concerns about inappropriate material reaching elementary users and about screen‑time and instructional balance.
Superintendent Rick Robbins reviewed recent community outreach and usage data, noting the district has implemented parent portal controls and is developing a three‑strike monitoring approach for accounts that repeatedly search inappropriate content. Robbins said, “We are looking… to RFP on a new filtering system” and described a range of district actions including improved parent controls, updated device use rules and continued monitoring of device activity.
IT director Scott McCombs and staff are convening a committee with parents, principals, school‑level building leadership teams, teachers and engineers. Doctor (first name not specified) Robinson will chair the advisory process; the committee’s first meeting is scheduled for late May and will include large‑group presentations, small‑group breakout sessions and a public report back on June 17. Committee topics will include access and age‑appropriate protocols, monitoring and incident response, teacher training and family communications.
District staff summarized community survey input showing mixed preferences: many parents want stronger default restrictions for younger grades, while others emphasized the importance of digital access for literacy and differentiated instruction. Board members suggested design options that allow K–2 classrooms to remain highly restricted while phased access and research projects could be available to older elementary grades; several trustees urged expanded family education on how to respond to incidents and on digital citizenship curricula already embedded in ThriveTime.
Staff described the district’s use of a third‑party monitoring tool and the need for data‑privacy contracts with vendors. Scott McCombs said the district holds data‑privacy agreements and that the monitoring tool will scan Google domain content for inappropriate material and generate alerts for staff review. The board asked staff to return the committee recommendations, a vendor RFP proposal and a clear communications plan that includes parent training and an FAQ about opt‑in/out workflows.
Board members asked that committee conclusions be presented to the full board with recommended next steps, and several trustees suggested the advisory work expand later to consider secondary‑level technology governance once elementary recommendations are final.
