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Parents and students press board on classroom tech policies and a Savannah Arts teacher suspension
Summary
Public commenters urged the board to limit screen time and audit edtech data practices; a Savannah Arts Academy student accused district leadership of retaliatory treatment in a teacher suspension, prompting board replies that personnel matters constrain public comment.
During the public‑comment portion of the June 3 meeting, speakers raised two distinct concerns: technology use in classrooms and a personnel matter at Savannah Arts Academy.
Bonnie Johnson, identified as a parent and former classroom educator, asked the board to re‑examine technology policy in elementary grades. She cited research and asserted that widespread screen time is not improving outcomes, urged prioritizing handwriting and paper‑based instruction for young learners, and requested a district audit of edtech tools for data‑sharing practices. Johnson asked the board to adopt clear, enforceable policies that tie technology choices to learning goals and protect student data.
A Savannah Arts Academy student speaker criticized the district’s handling of a teacher suspension that generated media attention in recent weeks. The student described the district’s approach as punitive toward staff and said it created a chilling effect on classroom expression. Board members and staff responded that personnel actions are constrained by law and therefore cannot be discussed in public forum, while encouraging private conversations so the student could learn factual details where appropriate.
The board accepted the comments and noted the limits of public disclosure on personnel matters; no administrative reversals or decisions were announced during the meeting.
