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Santa Barbara Unified adopts 'Tech With Intent' resolution limiting open YouTube and blocking AI sites on student devices
Summary
The Santa Barbara Unified board unanimously approved a 'Tech With Intent' resolution that narrows student device access by grade band, removes open YouTube access on school iPads, and blocks student access to generative-AI sites while staff develop implementation details and a public-comment policy timeline.
The Santa Barbara Unified Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to tighten district device controls and formalize an "intentional use" approach to classroom technology. District technology staff presented the plan, saying it will constrain student access by grade band, expand the district's "off and away" phone policy to district devices during noninstructional times, and update the Acceptable Use Policy to include digital citizenship and AI guidance.
Rob Cooper, the district technology director, described the framework as a culmination of multi-year committee work and said the goal is to ensure "the right tool for the right job." The presentation outlined that in TK there will be no devices; grades K–2 will have heavily curated iPads with only a few apps; grades 3–6 will continue a 1:1 model with limited apps; junior-high devices may go home with parent-configurable restrictions; and high-school devices will allow more flexibility for college and career preparation. Cooper told the board the district has "removed YouTube access for students, and we blocked AI sites" on student iPads while preserving teacher-delivered video through the district learning management system.
Student speaker Mateo Gallegos supported the intent but urged clear communication and parental choice, citing a student survey of about 300 San Marcos students who reported relying on YouTube for supplemental learning. "If this board decides to adopt tech with intent policies, students and parents deserve to know about the choices they have," Gallegos said. Board members asked whether search engines or Google services with AI summaries would remain available; staff replied that search engines remain accessible but the district is working with filter vendors to address generative-AI summaries and to enable graded access options.
The resolution directs staff to return with draft policy language for public comment and sets a target timeline for policy development later in the fall. The motion to adopt the resolution passed unanimously with the student advisory vote recorded as "Aye."
