CHCCS adopts digital‑learning plan: K–1 1:1 iPads phased out, GoGuardian required for grades 2–12 and advisory council created

The Chapel Hill‑Carrboro City Schools board voted to approve a three‑year digital‑learning plan that aims to reduce device‑driven instruction where it does not add instructional value, strengthen filtering and monitoring, and improve transparency for families.

Administration’s proposal and priorities: Al McArthur, director of digital learning and libraries, framed the plan around "balance, intentionality, transparency, and student well‑being," and said the district will focus on clearer expectations, professional learning, and a forward‑facing approved‑resources list. Debbie Atwater, executive director of technology, said the plan’s near‑term priority actions include increasing YouTube and web filtering, requiring GoGuardian Teacher for grades 2–12, publishing a centralized list of approved digital tools, and beginning the phase‑out of K–1 device renewal cycles.

Fiscal and operational details: staff told trustees they eliminated and reduced numerous instructional technology subscriptions and project to save about $435,000 annually by consolidating and removing duplicative tools. Dr. Bales explained the plan will move to "one iPad cart per grade level" for K–1 (rather than dedicated 1:1 devices) and continue legally required progress monitoring using tools such as mClass for reading and I‑Ready for math where applicable.

Board and public concerns: parents, students and trustees pushed for faster, interim steps on blocking non‑instructional content and addressing phones in schools. Several speakers urged limits on screen time and clearer grade‑level guidance. Trustee George asked whether the district could take more immediate actions by August while the full rollout and professional learning continue. Administration agreed to form or reconvene a technology advisory group and to accelerate priority technical changes this summer.

Governance motion: a trustee moved to approve the plan as amended to include the summer/fall priority actions presented on the slide deck; the board approved the amended plan by voice vote. Trustees also directed administration to convene a media/technology advisory council (EmTech/MTAC‑style) to review implementation and provide ongoing community input.

What changes families can expect next year: stricter web filtering across district networks; GoGuardian Teacher required in grades 2–12; a public list of approved digital resources with suggested weekly time guidance by grade; the start of a phased reduction in K–1 1:1 iPads to carts; and consolidated vendor and cost reductions to prioritize curriculum investment. Administration said it will publish baseline usage data and regular reports so schools and the public can track progress.

Next steps: staff will implement priority technical changes this summer, publish the approved‑tools list and convene the advisory council to monitor progress. The board asked that phones and other immediate student‑device discipline questions be returned as a focused agenda item for follow‑up.