District launches instructional‑technology working group; staff emphasize purposeful device use, YouTube permissions and AI guidance

The board heard an update on instructional technology from the district’s director of educational technology, who said the district’s device model intentionally differs across grade spans and emphasized using technology for creation and collaboration rather than passive consumption.

"Our device footprint is intentionally different from our neighboring districts," the director said, and staff described a model with 10 devices per classroom in pre‑K–1, classroom carts in grades 2–5, and 1:1 take‑home devices for grades 6–12. The presentation included an Edpuzzle demonstration to show how teachers can pause videos to check for understanding, and staff explained that Google and certain services require parent permission (for example, Google requires permission for Google Earth and district policy will group tool permissions to give parents finer control).

The district announced an Instructional Technology Working Group composed of parents, teachers, principals and LA County Office of Education partners; the working group will run in phases (visioning, community feedback, AI exploration, and recommendation drafting) with recommendations scheduled for the fall. Staff said a public survey is open through July 20, 2026, and that teacher surveys already received roughly 1,600 invitations with approximately 160 responses to date. Board members raised concerns about defining screen time and about survey timing during summer; staff said they may leverage the district's Aeries data‑confirmation and PTA channels to raise response rates and will not rush policy without adequate community input.