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Norwood tech director outlines FY27 technology plan; Chromebook use averages 30 minutes for K–2
Summary
Technology director presented the FY27 technology cost center: a level-service ~$700K budget with a temporary pause in device refresh, capital and E-rate funding, ADA-compliance work, an SIS review committee, and reported Chromebook usage data (K–2 ~30 minutes/day; grades 5–8 ~110–120 minutes/day).
The School Committee received a detailed FY27 technology-cost-center presentation on Jan. 28 from the district technology director. The presentation described staff roles, a level-service $700K-plus budget, capital and E-rate funding for infrastructure, and a multi-year capital outlook tied to the new Coakley middle-school build.
The director said the district will pause device refreshes this year (saving about $84,000) and resume replacement purchases the following year under its four-year refresh cycle. He highlighted major projects: wireless upgrades supported by a state earmark, substitute-management integration with payroll (planned for next fall), an SIS (Aspen) due-diligence committee to evaluate systems, and a district effort to ensure ADA compliance for electronic curriculum and websites by 2027.
On classroom device use, the director said the district tracks app- and device-usage from admin tools: K–2 students average about 30 minutes per day on Chromebooks, grades 3–4 about 45 minutes, grades 5–8 about 110–120 minutes (24-hour window including homework), and high school about 100–110 minutes. "K to 2... the average is about 30 minutes a day," he said.
Why it matters: Technology funding, device-refresh cadence, and ADA compliance affect classroom instruction, accessibility and long-term capital planning. Tracking usage helps the district and community understand how devices supplement instruction.
Next steps: The district will pursue ADA-compliance work, complete the SIS due-diligence review and continue capital planning tied to the Coakley project and other infrastructure needs.
