Teaching and learning teams propose 'balanced guardrails' for device use; tech levy renewal funds infrastructure
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Summary
Teaching & Learning and Technology directors presented a framework to recalibrate classroom technology use, focusing on active versus passive use, comprehension and attention effects, middle‑school transitions, and audits of classroom apps. They reiterated the tech levy renewal (~$6.5M/year) funds roughly half the district’s technology operating budget including cybersecurity and device replacement.
Executive Director Dana Miller and Director of Technology Wade Phillips presented a planned recalibration of classroom technology use in response to parent and staff concerns. They proposed a "balanced guardrail" framework built around four focal areas: distinguishing passive from active instructional uses of devices, addressing screen‑inferiority effects for dense reading, rethinking the fifth‑to‑sixth grade transition where device use often ramps up, and mitigating attention‑fragmentation caused by screen multitasking.
Miller said most K–5 curricula in the district are not inherently technology‑based and recommended maintaining low device ratios and shared devices for the youngest learners. The team plans audits of classroom applications, targeted professional development for teachers on low‑tech alternatives, device‑free zones or transitions, and a digital‑citizenship curriculum to reduce workarounds that students use when phones are restricted.
Phillips provided context for the technology levy up for renewal in April: roughly $6.5 million annually, representing about 50–53% of the district’s technology operating budget, with about 10% of the technology budget supporting the iPad replacement cycles (four‑grade cohort cycles). He said levy funds support cybersecurity, network infrastructure, emergency communications, technical support staff and planned replacement cycles to avoid very old equipment.
Both Miller and Phillips emphasized phased engagement with parents, PTAs and staff to avoid abrupt changes. They recommended communications tied to the referendum materials, surveys of educators and families, liaison committee outreach and pilot adjustments before broad policy changes are implemented in 2026–27.
No policy was adopted at the meeting; staff will return with engagement and implementation plans.