Candidates back a district screen-time audit and question Chromebook policies

Candidates at the League of Women Voters forum said district leaders should review Chromebook use and screen time and improve communication about how technology is used in instruction.

Sarah Bailey said it would be valuable to "start with what is the range of time that different... teachers at different ages are spending" and proposed aligning practice across grades. She added that New York State standards constrain what can be removed from instruction but supported exploring limits "by developmental stage." Bailey also backed family surveys and clearer communication on how groups and self-contained classes are formed.

Meredith Moriarty said she "would support changes... such as... elementary students not being required to bring home their Chromebook" and recommended assessments for youngest learners be on paper rather than computer-based tests.

Holly Delenbaugh and Becky Van Wiedel emphasized balance: both called technology a tool but not a replacement for direct instruction, and Delenbaugh urged professional development for teachers so technology is used thoughtfully. Several candidates recommended a formal screen-time audit and district policy review to collect accurate data on activities assigned on Chromebooks and community attitudes.

Candidates noted practical constraints: state learning standards and computer-based state tests affect elementary and middle-school Chromebook use, and any district-level opt-out policy would need careful design to avoid conflict with standards.

The forum recorded no formal policy changes; candidates described positions they would pursue on the board if elected.