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Speakers question FCPS's device and digital-tool spending amid concerns about over-digitization
Summary
Parents, a commenter identified as Mona C., and Dr. Long raised concerns about the district's reliance on devices and hundreds of digital platforms, citing counts of digital tools and a large number of digital assessments and warning about pedagogical and environmental consequences.
Multiple speakers at the May 12 Fairfax County Public Schools FY2027 budget hearing questioned current levels of spending and reliance on digital devices, platforms and assessments.
A commenter identified in the attendee roster as Mona C. asked the board to "evaluate the effectiveness of spending on student devices, digital curriculum, technology staff, and digital tools and resources," noting the district website lists "388" digital tools for elementary schools, "394" for middle schools and "571" for high schools and suggesting reductions in subscriptions could generate savings. She also recommended reconsidering one-to-one devices for kindergarten through second grade and greater teacher support instead of increased tech spending.
Dr. Long expanded the concern, saying the "$4,100,000,000 budget before you labels ubiquitous Internet and modernization of IT systems as baseline essentials" and arguing that over-digitization erodes analog competencies. Long also referenced environmental costs of large-scale AI and data centers and said FCPS administered "over 825,000 digital assessments" in the prior cycle.
Nut graf: Both commenters framed technology questions as budgetary and pedagogical trade-offs with districtwide implications; they asked the board to scrutinize whether current levels of digital investment and assessment are improving outcomes.
Board response and next steps: The board did not take action during the hearing; comments will be part of the record ahead of a May 21 vote on the FY2027 approved budget.
