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Henrico plans summer guidance for 'purposeful, balanced' tech use; piloting Securly Classroom expansion
Summary
Division leaders presented a PK–12 roadmap for purposeful technology use, emphasized active (not passive) screen time, and said a division-wide digital-wellness guide will be launched this summer; staff also described Securly tools used for filtering, monitoring and parent reporting and pledged ongoing training and family engagement.
Henrico County Public Schools told the board April 30 it will publish division-wide guidance this summer to clarify developmentally appropriate, purposeful technology use across grades and to expand training for teachers and families.
Leslie Hughes, the division’s chief learning officer, said the roadmap centers on a PK–12 progression and research-based expectations: “Technology has the greatest impact when it strengthens instruction, not when it replaces it,” she said, adding the division will use the American Academy of Pediatrics’ five-pillars framework to guide guidance on digital wellness.
Courtney Bostain, director of innovation, described a three-part approach: standards-aligned curricular use, an instructional model that prioritizes active learning, and professional learning supports including an innovative learning coach in every school. The guide will define terms such as “screen time” and outline developmentally appropriate expectations for elementary, middle and high school classrooms.
Brian Maddox, director of technology, detailed the division’s technical supports and safety tools. HCPS provides filtered devices, home hotspots for families in need, and a vetting process for digital resources. The division recently piloted Securly Classroom in a handful of secondary schools and plans broader implementation next year; Securly Home lets parents view HCPS-issued device activity and set scheduled downtime, and Securly Aware provides 24/7 monitoring for indicators of self-harm or threats.
Several board members asked how the changes affect the youngest grades. Bostain said PK–2 use will be limited and teacher-guided, and the task force will review early learning balance and take parent and teacher input during summer work.
Staff committed to posting the vetted digital-resource menu publicly, continuing community outreach, and using ILCs and school innovation plans to align professional learning with the new guidance.
Next steps: division staff will convene a stakeholder group, publish guidance this summer, expand the Securly Classroom rollout and provide follow-up briefings to the board about implementation and family communication.
