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Interim instructional superintendent outlines summer audit and teacher surveys to balance student screen time
Summary
At the May 18 Cornwall Central School District Board meeting, interim instructional superintendent Dr. Figner outlined a district-launched audit, teacher surveys (K–4, 5–8, 9–12) and planned infrastructure changes aimed at balancing classroom screen time and strengthening digital safety; the survey will inform policy steps this summer and fall.
Cornwall Central School District officials announced a summer audit and separate teacher surveys to gather baseline data on in-class device use and to shape a “balanced” approach to digital learning.
Dr. Figner, the district’s interim superintendent for instruction, presented a historical overview of technology in schools and framed the next steps as an evidence-based effort to avoid extremes. "There is a balance and there is lots of conversations," he said, adding that "teachers are in full control of the amount of technology used in their classrooms." He said the district launched three distinct surveys the same day—one for K–4, one for grades 5–8, and one for grades 9–12—to gather how devices are used, whether for direct instruction, project-based learning or passive tasks.
The presentation described four strategic initiatives: establish a baseline with teacher surveys and classroom observation, conduct a resource review of classroom tools, emphasize teacher-directed access, and address digital fatigue with instructional and technical measures. Dr. Figner said the district will analyze survey results before the end of the school year or over the summer and that further research and recommendations would follow.
The plan also includes technical and safety measures. Dr. Figner told trustees the district plans to install a new internet filter in the fall that will strengthen content protection and expand crisis-flagging to surface activity that may put students at risk. He said parents will receive new controls and reports about device use outside school hours.
Superintendent Mrs. Argenio framed the update as part of a broader community conversation and reminded residents that the district’s budget and three capital propositions are on the ballot tomorrow. "Tomorrow is our CCSD budget vote, our capital project vote, and our Board of Education candidate vote," she said, and noted voting will be held at Cornwall Central Middle School from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Trustees welcomed the district’s quick response but also tested the limits of what a single-district audit can show. Board member Brendan thanked district staff for the speed of the response: "That was great," he said. Other trustees urged the administration to post the presentation and a short video clip on the district website to improve public access.
Dr. Figner emphasized that the presentation represented a high-level framework, not a finalized policy. He repeatedly framed the effort as an iterative, evidence-driven process: what the district learns from teacher surveys, classroom observation and parent forums will determine specific policy or practice changes in the 2026–27 school year.
Next steps: the district will gather and analyze survey results this summer, continue classroom observations and present more concrete recommendations and possible reserve/resource allocations in late summer or September, as data permit.
