Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Technology topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents petition Worcester Public Schools to remove one-to-one internet devices for pre-K–2; committee asks for usage data
Summary
Parents and advocacy groups presented a petition asking Worcester Public Schools to remove internet-connected iPads/Chromebooks from preschool through grade 2, citing developmental harms and equity concerns; the school committee referred a motion requesting a district report on device usage and costs to administration.
Parents and community advocates urged the Worcester School Committee to revise the district's one-to-one device program for preschool through grade 2, arguing the devices displace hands-on, developmentally appropriate instruction.
At public comment, Noelia Chafoya, a parent who helped lead the petition for Worcester for Safe Student Technology, said the petition gathered 455 signatures representing families across 34 elementary schools and "approximately 6,162 students," and asked the committee to remove everyday individual internet-connected devices for those grades while preserving assistive technology and program-based uses. Chafoya said educational technology products are marketed, not proven, and that families and educators have raised concerns about how classroom devices are used.
Several other speakers supported the petition. Shauna Sylvia and Kate Johnson said young children benefit most from play, books and teacher-led activities and requested a timely public review with a clear timeline. Parents who spoke during public comment described confusion about what devices are used, how often and at what instructional cost, and urged the district to publish details on apps, licenses, support and classroom time.
Responding in committee, Member Roy moved through the chair that administration prepare a report with data on device usage, time-on-device, and communication strategies to address parental concerns. The motion was accepted and referred to the administration for follow-up. Mayor Petty and other members agreed the administration should provide the requested information before the committee takes further action.
The petitioners said they were not asking to block assistive technology for students with individualized education plans or 504 accommodations, and the petition language included such exceptions. The petitioners requested that any interim changes be implemented for the 2026–27 school year if possible, or otherwise that the district produce a public report with a clear completion timeline.
Next steps: the administration will prepare and present the requested data and usage report to the committee; a formal policy change would require administrative analysis and subsequent committee action.
