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Parent urges limits on classroom tablets and questions AI, spending on student data tools
Summary
A parent told the board that classroom tablets, educational software and AI features harm attention and collect student data; she cited district spending she said exceeded $300 million on devices and asked the board to cut tech use for young children.
A parent urged the Chicago Board of Education to limit classroom screen time and reconsider district spending on devices and software during the July 20 hearing.
Michelle Campbell said her kindergarten child showed withdrawal from school after heavy tablet use, argued that educational tablets and some software prioritize private companies over pedagogical value, and objected to AI-enabled learning environments in the budget. She cited figures during her remarks, saying "CPS has spent over $300,000,000 on classroom tablets and tech and an additional $15,000,000 per year on device tracking software," and that the district spends "over $2,000,000 a year for iReady software." She called for limits on device use in early grades and asked the board to "let our teachers teach."
District staff did not directly dispute the spending figures during the hearing. The presentation and Q&A focused on revenue, staffing and deficit measures; the parent’s remarks highlighted data-privacy, instructional quality and procurement questions that board and staff may need to follow up on in budgeting and technology procurement discussions.
