PRC asks staff for a study on limiting Chromebook home use for youngest students

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools Policy Review Committee directed staff on March 4 to study and return with specific recommendations on whether and how to limit student devices leaving school for elementary students.

Chair (S8) framed the discussion, saying the board heard strong parent concern about screen time and that “ChromeBooks don’t go home” was a position several members favored. Staff and principals cautioned that devices support adaptive instructional programs such as Lexia and Imagine Math and stressed the need for exemptions for students with IEPs or 504 plans. Sharon Felton (S1), who presented parts of the policy materials, said, “I think that Chrome books are an essential educational resource.”

The committee discussed multiple options raised during the meeting — proposals ranged from prohibiting home use for pre‑K through first grade to limiting home use up to fifth grade with carefully defined parameters. Members asked staff to report back with: a) grade‑by‑grade impacts, b) opt‑out feasibility for families, c) charging and storage logistics at schools, d) alternate non‑digital instructional plans, and e) how adaptive programs and assessment requirements would be handled if devices stayed in school.

Staff said they would bring findings and draft policy language to PRC meetings scheduled March 25 and in April so the committee could refine recommendations before any formal policy referral. Committee members emphasized the need to protect students who rely on devices for accommodations while responding to parent concerns about screen time.