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Students ask board to fix Adobe licenses, connectivity and create AI policy amid program losses
Summary
Student representatives and PAWS TV students told the board they lack Adobe Premiere Pro access, that studio Macs have no internet, and that Yondr pouches have been stolen; students also asked for an AI policy and clearer discipline protocols for technology misuse.
Students urged the Collingswood Board of Education to restore software licenses and connectivity for career and technical programs and to develop a clear AI policy.
Student board representatives reported results of a district poll: strong student opposition to Yondr phone pouches, concern about a proposed 6–12 campus merger and a call for clearer information. Student speakers from the PAWS TV program — Miles Fisher and Rayna Barr — testified during public comment that their TV‑production entry classes have lacked access to Adobe Creative Cloud (including Premiere Pro) for roughly three months and that several studio iMacs and MacBooks have no Internet connection. The students said the lack of editing software and connectivity prevents hands‑on learning, hinders college application portfolios and risks the future of the program.
Board members and administration agreed the district would follow up. The superintendent asked for details and said staff would provide answers quickly; the board requested IT and procurement staff to report on licensing and ticketing responses. Trustees described licensing costs as expensive but acknowledged the program’s college‑ and career‑readiness value.
Students also pressed for an AI policy. They said inconsistent teacher responses and group punishments for individual misuse have caused confusion; students asked for a consistent handbook policy and student/staff education. Administration said the district has a service to help craft policy and plans to begin stakeholder work in January, with students and teachers participating to vet a draft.
In addition, students raised safety concerns about Yondr pouch thefts; the board asked administration to investigate and provide guidance on pouch practice and student property protection. The administration said a Chromebook‑loan procedure exists for students lacking a device at home and encouraged families to use it.
The board asked IT to respond to specific tickets and asked administration to return with a timeline for restoring Adobe access and studio internet connectivity.
