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Board approves $2.29 million K–8 Chromebook purchase amid community concerns about screen time
Summary
The Midland Public Schools Board approved a $2,294,628 purchase for 5,900 Chromebooks as part of its 1:1 device lifecycle plan. Parents and staff urged a pause for a study of elementary device use; administrators said devices are needed for digital testing and bond spending requirements.
The Midland Public Schools Board of Education voted Feb. 16 to approve a purchase order of $2,294,628 for 5,900 HP Foris 11 G11 Chromebooks to support the district’s K–8 student device program.
Parents and staff used the public comment period to urge the board to reconsider the expansion of one‑to‑one devices in elementary grades, citing concerns about distraction and student mental health. "My sixth grader is struggling to focus in class and at home because he gets distracted by games and videos," parent Bethany Brick said. "If we're still feeding money into the system of Chromebooks for elementary school kids, we're not going to find a solution." Jennifer Low, a staff member in the district’s theater and music programs, called for a stakeholder task force to study appropriate device use for young learners and said she would "eliminate one‑to‑one devices for students in at least K through fourth grades" until policies and supports are in place.
District leaders responded that devices are integral to modern instruction and to administering state digital assessments. Administrators noted that some curriculum materials and state testing are delivered digitally and that the district must provide enough devices to conduct assessments without major disruption. Officials also said the purchase is tied to a prior bond series and spending timelines: the district faces requirements to expend a large share of bond‑authorized funds within a multi‑year window.
Administrators described monitoring and classroom management tools used to reduce off‑task behavior, including commercial filtering/monitoring products such as GoGuardian, and said staff training and classroom approaches are being discussed to limit inappropriate use. "We are aware of the distraction that sometimes these devices cause. We work with the tech department to make sure we have products such as GoGuardian and other tools to monitor student use," an administrator said during the board discussion.
Trustees acknowledged public concerns and emphasized that approving the purchase does not preclude further work on elementary device‑use policies. "This purchase is separate and distinct from the conversation that we heard today," one trustee said, adding that the board expects administration to convene teachers, parents and experts to recommend elementary use parameters.
The motion to approve the purchase carried after board discussion and a vote at the Feb. 16 meeting.
