Morton board directs tech task force to work with K–2 teachers on iPad plan

Board members and teachers spent an extended discussion on K–2 technology during the meeting, focusing on whether continued 1:1 iPad deployment is appropriate for the district’s youngest students.

Several board members said they had seen evidence and external reports suggesting harms of early screen exposure; they urged the tech task force to work with elementary principals and K–2 teachers to draft a plan for reducing or eliminating 1:1 devices at that grade band. One board member asked for a short update from principals in September and a full discussion and decision as a discussion item in October, with a longer implementation timeline to avoid disrupting summer preparation and teacher planning.

Teachers in the room, including kindergarten staff, said some schools had already scaled back device use and that testing requirements (district MAP testing and other assessment logistics) complicate immediate removal of devices. A kindergarten teacher said the 1:1 rollout occurred roughly a decade ago and that professional development accompanied the roll‑out; others said they supported moving toward more play‑based early learning but wanted an implementation plan that minimized stress on teachers and students.

Administration (tech task‑force lead and elementary principals) agreed to gather input, meet with teachers and principals in July/August, provide a short update in September and a comprehensive recommendation in October. The board emphasized gradual change management and teacher involvement rather than a top‑down edict.

What’s next: Tech task force to consult K–2 teachers and principals, report back to board in September (brief) and October (detailed), with implementation timing to be proposed by the task force and teachers.