School committee approves purchase of Chromebooks for grades 1–2 after debate over early-childhood screen time

The School Committee voted Oct. 21 to approve item 9: the purchase of Chromebooks, licenses, services and protective cases for grades 1 and 2. The motion passed after discussion of pedagogical benefits, testing needs and concerns about screen time for young children.

Chair Bartimole and several committee members described the devices as classroom resources used “sporadically” rather than continuous daily tools for kindergartners and early-elementary students. Superintendent Saint James and curriculum staff explained the devices are used for short instructional rotations, pre-teaching and re-teaching, and for an online diagnostic assessment administered three times a year. “We use the assessment 3 times a year… it is a diagnostic assessment. We can track progress,” Director of Curriculum Claire said during the presentation.

Several committee members expressed strong reservations about classroom Chromebooks in first and second grade. One member said she “cannot vote for it” on principle, arguing young students need paper-and-pencil learning. Committee members and administrators countered that classroom sets would not be sent home with students and that teachers use the devices in controlled, supervised stations. Committee members also noted that a quoted price could expire; one member urged approving the purchase before tariffs or price increases.

Motion and vote: A member moved to approve the purchase of Chromebooks and related services for grades 1 and 2; a second was recorded. The committee voted and the motion carried by voice vote.

The committee recorded no change to district policy on early-childhood device use; administrators said they will continue teacher training on balanced use and digital citizenship and invited committee members to tour classrooms to observe device use. Committee members asked the administration to preserve paper-based instruction and keep monitoring classroom practice.