Superintendent outlines tech plan: YouTube blocked on student devices starting in June, parent tool and digital-citizenship plan to roll out
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Summary
Superintendent Linford told the board the district plans to tighten filtering criteria, block YouTube on student devices beginning in June, roll out the parent tool Blocksy and implement a digital literacy/digital citizenship framework, while students and teachers offered feedback on classroom technology use.
Superintendent Linford presented a multi-part technology plan Wednesday that includes device filtering changes, a parental-control rollout and a digital literacy framework — and said the district will block YouTube on student devices starting in June.
"Starting in June, we will block YouTube on all student devices," Superintendent Linford said, adding that teachers will be shown how to embed approved videos into curriculum. He described Blocksy as an industrial-grade parent tool the district will continue to refine and said the district is drafting a technology-use framework and digital citizenship curriculum to pair restrictions with instruction.
Linford said some elements depend on pending state legislation and emphasized teaching students healthy digital habits rather than simply removing access. "We have an obligation to teach and to train," he said, describing digital patterns and mental-health concerns.
Students from Viewmont and Beaumont High Schools responded during the meeting. Caleb Wells, Beaumont's student body president, said students value the educational benefits of technology but recognized tradeoffs; Susie Wilson, Viewmont's student body secretary, described research she completed on social media's effects on mental health and urged thoughtful use.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the parent tool rollout and how teachers will continue to provide approved video content. Linford and staff said they will seek teacher feedback on the draft framework and continue engaging parents before wider implementation.
The board did not take a formal vote on technology policy at Wednesday's business meeting; staff characterized several items as early-stage or contingent on legislation.