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LCAP update highlights goals and sparks debate over one-to-one devices in early grades
Summary
At a public hearing June 8, the board reviewed the proposed 2026-27 LCAP actions and goals and engaged in a substantive debate about the appropriateness of issuing one-to-one devices to kindergarten and early elementary students, with trustees calling for more research and a district-level discussion.
Modesto City Schools' senior director of state and federal programs, Steve Hurst, presented the district's 2026-27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) during a public hearing on June 8, describing alignment to district strategic goals and outlining actions to support academic achievement, staff development, and student supports.
Hurst said the LCAP development included more than 30 meetings and more than 2,600 survey responses, and emphasized priorities such as co-teaching in algebra, full-day kindergarten and transitional kindergarten, reduced counselor caseloads, MTSS implementation, and supports for English learners and students with special needs.
Significant public and trustee discussion centered on technology in early grades. Trustee Masters urged the board to open a formal conversation about the district's one-to-one device program for the youngest learners, saying, "Computers in the hands of kids under third grade is causing them harm both socially [and] academically." Masters asked the board to consider moving device deployment from kindergarten to third grade or otherwise limit access while preserving educational priorities.
Superintendent Petrago and staff said any change to device policy would require broader study and districtwide discussion because curriculum delivery is designed to support both digital and print choices. Staff noted paper-based curriculum remains available and that device policy had evolved in response to instructional needs and pandemic-era changes.
Hurst said the LCAP will move back to the board for approval at its June 22 meeting and noted the plan is required to be posted to the California Dashboard after adoption.
Why it matters: The LCAP directs multi-year district priorities and funding decisions. The one-to-one device debate signals trustees' and parents' interest in how instructional technology affects early childhood learning and will likely lead to a formal review of device policy prior to the next budgeting cycle.
Representative quote: "When we went one to one...we were doing that out of necessity. What we know now is computers in the hands of kids under third grade is causing them harm," Trustee Masters said, asking the board to consider policy changes.
Next steps: The board will consider the recommended LCAP on June 22; trustees and staff indicated a separate, deeper discussion about device policy will follow.
