Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District tech staff outline screen‑time approach, one‑to‑one device program and AI pilots
Summary
District technology staff briefed the board on edtech use, device access funded by a 2021 levy, classroom guardrails (filters, walled gardens, Hapara) and pilot work on AI tools for teachers; staff plan family outreach on healthy device use.
Jessica Schmidt, the district’s technology operations manager, told the Stillwater Area Public Schools Board that the district’s approach to screens emphasizes pedagogical intent and guardrails rather than blanket removal. "It's less about how much; it's more about what is being used with that time on those screens," she said.
Schmidt described the district’s device program funded by a community technology levy approved in 2021: iPads for pre‑K–1 classrooms for targeted activities, classroom Chromebooks and carts for grades 2–5 (typically kept at school), and issued take‑home Chromebooks for grades 6–12. She noted the midnight–5 a.m. device usage reported by some students is not usage on district devices.
Staff reviewed classroom management and safety tools in use, including multiple internet filters, "walled garden" settings that limit elementary email to teacher/peers, and Hapara monitoring software that helps teachers view student screens and redirect off‑task activity. Jessica said the district works with vendors to obtain adoption and usage metrics and can provide more detailed reports on uptake.
On artificial intelligence, the district reported participation in informal statewide conversations ("AI for MN") and acceptance into an eight‑district pilot to receive professional development on Google Gemini and educator tools such as Brisk to support differentiated instruction and batch feedback. "We just joined a pilot…to get some extra professional development around how we could better implement Gemini," Jessica said, and staff described teacher workshops on using AI for targeted feedback.
Directors asked about family engagement and communications. Staff said they are developing outreach ideas for PTA events and online resources (Common Sense Media, Google Family Link) to help families set screen‑time expectations and explore internet‑provider tools that can limit home access at scheduled times. The district plans to provide materials to principals and school teams this spring and into next fall.
No formal technology policy changes were proposed at the meeting; directors expressed support for the district’s emphasis on intentional use and for further work on family outreach and staff professional development.
