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Board approves purchase of 775 Chromebooks after debate over screen time and early-grade use
Summary
Trustees approved buying 775 replacement Chromebooks (staff estimated roughly $350 per unit) after public commenters urged a pause to develop a technology/screen‑time policy for younger students; the board asked policy staff to return with guidance.
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District board voted to approve the purchase of 775 replacement Chromebooks for TK–12 students, while also directing staff and the policy committee to develop clearer guidance on technology use and screen time for younger students.
Technology staff said the purchase is for replacement devices and estimated a per-unit cost of about $350 (including licensing and taxes). The item was framed as replenishment of the district’s existing device pool rather than an expansion of one‑to‑one devices in TK classrooms.
Several parents urged caution. Jen Rigney (online) urged a pause until the district completes an intentional technology plan that would set screen‑time guidance and options for early grades. An additional online commenter raised health concerns related to microwave radiation and Wi‑Fi. A middle‑school teacher and other educators said the devices are essential for instruction and that broken Chromebooks must be replaced so students can participate.
After discussion the board approved the purchase by voice vote and requested that the policy committee bring back a focused report and recommendation on technology use in early grades and broader screen‑time policy options.
What’s next: The district will place the order for replacement Chromebooks and staff will work with the policy committee to prepare recommended guidance for the board’s review.
