Student tells Williamsville board AP exams should allow use of personal devices for fairness

Drew Katzmann, a senior at Williamsville North High School, told the Williamsville Central School District Board of Education that a recent district decision requiring this year's Advanced Placement exams to be taken on school-issued Chromebooks was announced too late and could disadvantage students who have prepared on personal devices.

"As you listen this evening, I ask you to reflect on a line from the district's mission statement: Students are your highest priority," Katzmann said. He told the board many students have completed most coursework on personal devices and have not used Chromebooks regularly since middle school. Katzmann said some students were issued Chromebooks in September and had time to become familiar with them, while others did not, creating unequal testing conditions.

Katzmann argued familiarity with the testing device affects speed, accuracy and anxiety on high-stakes exams and that AP scores affect students' college credit and financial-aid opportunities rather than district metrics. He said surrounding districts either provide school-issued devices earlier in the year or permit personal devices consistent with College Board rules.

Katzmann asked the board to "return to the district's mission" and permit students to use the devices they studied on or provide a transition period before the exams. The board thanked Katzmann and did not debate the request during the public comment period; the transcript records no immediate policy response.

Why it matters: AP exam scores can influence students' college credit and placement. Katzmann framed the request as an equity issue, asking the district to align administration logistics with student preparation.