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Clayton begins two‑year technology self study; staff to recommend device plan next spring
Summary
The district opened a two‑year technology self study focused on teaching and learning, device fleet replacement, cybersecurity and a planned device recommendation in spring; public comment called for intentional, limited screen use for young learners.
District leaders presented the opening phase of a two‑year technology self study and told the board they will return in spring with a device recommendation and implementation plan.
Luke, who led the presentation, said the study will examine both pedagogical uses of technology and the technical infrastructure that supports devices. “We plan to come to the board with a device recommendation this spring,” Luke said. The self study will include site visits, audits, stakeholder input and an infrastructure analysis that covers cybersecurity and student privacy.
Luke described the device fleet history: carts of mixed devices recommended in 2016, a 1:1 Chromebook/iPad deployment during the pandemic, and a typical replacement cycle of four to five years. He noted that Chromebooks are web‑centric and sometimes do not meet the needs of courses requiring more processing power or specialized software; the district maintains fixed labs to meet those needs.
Public comment that evening raised the issue of classroom screen time and intentionality. Mead Greenberg, who identified themself as a parent, urged the district to prioritize purposeful technology use in elementary classrooms. “If we are going to pull our children's attention into a screen … I want those experiences to really be worth it,” Mead said during public comment.
Board members and staff discussed the relationship between the technology study and curriculum work, with the superintendent and curriculum staff indicating the study will inform a refreshed district technology philosophy and guidance on balance and equity. Luke also said AI and its role in classrooms will be a focus area for policy and practice during the self study.
The board did not vote on technology policy at the meeting; the presentation was an informational step in a multi‑year review that staff said will culminate in recommendations tied to budgets and implementation timelines.
