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Parent urges CPS to cut classroom tech spending and limit screen time for young students
Summary
A parent testified that CPS has spent heavily on classroom devices and software, urged limiting screen time for kindergarten and early grades, and warned against AI-enabled learning environments; she cited figures for district tech spending and ongoing contracts for device software.
At the July 20 hearing a parent raised concerns about CPS technology spending and classroom screen time for young children, urging the board to reallocate funds to direct instruction and reduce reliance on devices.
"Chicago kids deserve this as well," Michelle Campbell said, arguing that elementary students do not need tablets or laptops and criticizing district contracts and expenditures. Campbell cited district spending 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 CPS spends about "$2,000,000 a year for I-Ready software," which she said is owned by a private equity firm that collects student data.
Campbell asked the board to "save the money, limit screen time, let our teachers teach," and opposed AI-enabled learning environments in the FY27 budget. Her comments followed union and teacher testimony opposing cuts to staff and served as a parent perspective on budget priorities.
