Parent asks East Windsor board to adopt opt‑out for district 1‑to‑1 device program

At the April 13 meeting a speaker who identified himself as James Advil asked the board to adopt a parental‑rights policy to permit parents to opt their children out of the district’s mandated 1:1 device program for the 2026–27 school year.

"Adopting an opt out policy so our children can experience an educational setting that is free of EdTech just like each of you had, I think is an invaluable experience," he said, adding that he has taught in New Jersey public schools for more than 25 years and has observed what he described as declines in certain student skills and mental health related to educational technology use.

Advil said he had previously presented the idea to the board and followed up with emails to board members; he thanked one board member for a reply directing him to teachers and principals and said the principals then directed him to the superintendent. He urged the board to consider a policy that would give parents a clear choice.

Advil referenced The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath to support his concerns about EdTech's effects on students and requested the board review research as it considers any policy change. He provided his name and address for the record.

The board did not take action on the request at the meeting; the speaker said he had been in contact with the superintendent and expected further follow up. The meeting record notes that public commenters were instructed to state their name and address and to sign in.