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Board presses for evaluation data and cost clarity on RoboKind pilot
Summary
Board members expressed support for RoboKind's potential but repeatedly asked for measurable student outcomes, program uptake by teachers and clearer cost-effectiveness data before committing further funding.
Several board members praised RoboKind's engagement potential but said the district needs clearer, measurable evidence before expanding the pilot. "Money is tight for the school board... we have to be accountable," Mr. Johnson said, arguing the district must be able to tie observed gains to the program before allocating scarce resources.
Staff disclosed the funding history: an initial one-time purchase (robot hardware and one year of programming) of about $100,000 paid from millage funds, followed by a one-time payment of $129,900 to renew the curriculum subscription for four years. Presenters said some costs were covered through ESSER grants that expire in 2028, creating a funding horizon the board must consider.
Board members asked how many teachers in each school actually use the robot; presenters estimated roughly one SLP and one to two teachers per school on average, but said usage varies by year and by which students are in a given room. Members also raised implementation concerns such as training needs and the logistical limit of a single robot per school, and requested site visits and video demonstrations to assess daily classroom use before further financial commitment.
