Candidates split on tech and AI: calls to limit phones, protect student data

Candidates at the forum debated how much technology — including artificial intelligence — belongs in K–12 classrooms. Robbie Steinberg argued that the district should "pull back," saying "I think the bell to bell ban is a really easy straightforward answer," and urged limits on phones and non-teacher-approved video. Harry Leshner said vendors should bear the burden of proof showing an educational benefit before tools are adopted.

Several candidates, including Alicia Mignano and Laurie Lieberman, said teacher voice and student-data protections must guide policy. Mignano highlighted an existing working group and said two priorities are "student data protections" and ensuring teachers participate in policy decisions. Candidates proposed iterative, teacher-centered approaches and specific restraints such as removing open YouTube access and narrowly limiting screen time for younger students.