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Pulaski County outlines phased Chromebook plan for elementary schools, citing assessment needs
Summary
District staff described a phased approach to elementary Chromebooks that preserves device access for second‑grade testing (Mastery Connect) and relies on classroom carts rather than sending devices home; staff noted an expected K–5 spending handle of roughly $300,000 during discussion.
Pulaski County School Board members spent significant time on June 9 discussing an elementary Chromebook plan that phases devices by cohort and preserves device access for benchmark testing in second grade.
District staff said first‑grade devices recently purchased will remain with that cohort through fourth grade and that the district will use classroom carts (approximately 20 devices per second‑grade classroom) rather than issuing new home devices in elementary grades. "No devices go home in elementary school," a staff member confirmed.
Shelley, an elementary teacher who addressed the board, said second grade requires device access for multiple digital assessments and reading programs. "In second grade... we test everything and CIP gives us assessments... Mastery Connect updates in real time to see how the kids are doing in those certain standards," she said, describing why devices must be available in second‑grade classrooms for assessment administration and real‑time tracking.
Board members and staff discussed cost control, a phased rollout and device lifespan. During the discussion one board member referenced a planning figure of about $300,000 for K–5 device rotation, which staff said they could work around depending on procurement timing.
The board discussed balancing screen‑time concerns with instructional needs and emphasized mixed instructional approaches that include paper and pencil alongside digital resources. No final policy vote was held; staff will bring policy language and second‑reading items to a future meeting.
