Board hears concerns over Chromebook rollout and virtual access; administration to survey device ownership and introduce Teams
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Summary
Board members and public commenters raised low sign‑up for the high‑school Chromebook rollout and asked for Microsoft Teams access after Webex issues; administration said it will survey students about device ownership, continue outreach, consider BYOD, and introduce Teams by the next meeting.
Education committee discussion and public comment at the Nov. 25 Winslow Township Board meeting highlighted concerns about the planned high‑school Chromebook rollout and virtual meeting accessibility.
Administrators told the board that only about one‑quarter of high‑school students had returned Chromebook agreements for the mid‑year 1:1 rollout and that roughly three‑quarters had not signed up. A board member said the district will promote the initiative more and survey students to determine whether many already have personal laptops.
During public comment, Lakeisha Smith said families had difficulty accessing the meeting via Webex and asked the board to switch to Microsoft Teams; she also voiced confusion about Chromebook benefits for students who "don't have them work at home." The superintendent responded that the district will introduce Microsoft Teams for public access by the next board meeting, will survey students on device ownership, and that Chromebooks are an instructional tool for classroom and at‑home activities; administrators said they will finalize cheer/transportation details for the football championship by the next day and would discuss varsity jackets later.
No policy change or binding decision on the Chromebook rollout was made at the meeting; administration will report back with survey results and further outreach.
