Policy Review Committee advances limits on Chromebook use for pre-K–1, forwards amended Policy 06.18 to School Board

The Policy Review Committee on May 14 voted to forward an amended Policy 06.18 on instructional time and student technology use to the full School Board for information.

Chair Carolyn Weems said the draft is meant as a cautious compromise that reduces screen time for the youngest students while preserving necessary instructional supports. "I think this is a compromise," Weems said, adding the committee intends to evaluate the change after implementation.

Under the amended language the committee discussed, beginning in the 2026–27 school year Chromebooks or similar devices would not be used by students in pre‑kindergarten through first‑grade classroom settings. The committee agreed the provision should not prevent staff use of computers; it also clarified that the restriction would not apply to technology specified in a student’s 504 plan or individualized education plan (IEP) when used for limited educational assessments or adaptive learning needs.

Dr. Kelly, a division staff member involved with literacy and assessment work, told the committee that the division’s literacy plan includes computer‑adaptive programs such as Lexia Core5 for kindergarten and first grade and that those assessments historically used between "20 minutes per week to up to 80 minutes per week." She said the division would need to identify alternative, non‑screen remediation and might revise the literacy plan and purchase print versions or other materials to preserve instructional quality.

The committee also refined rules for older grades: grade 2 would remain 1:1 inside school but, under ordinary circumstances, would not take devices home; the committee debated and ultimately added limited take‑home language for grade 2 tied to severe weather events or other emergencies to allow remote learning when in‑person instruction is impossible. Grades 3–5 would continue 1:1 and be allowed to take devices home as currently practiced. The amended draft also requires the superintendent/director to provide an annual report on student screen time, with aggregated grade‑level trends and any mitigation plans.

Members raised implementation concerns including budget, professional development and ensuring high‑quality instructional materials are available as substitutions. A committee member noted the committee had reviewed teacher feedback and said, "I hope that all of the 90‑plus percent survey that the teacher sent in was included," urging staff to weigh teacher input as the division moves to implement changes.

A motion to send the amended Policy 06.18 to the next School Board meeting for information was made and seconded; the committee approved the motion by voice vote and the item will be presented to the full School Board for its consideration. The committee confirmed staff will return with additional details on alternative instructional materials, timelines and budget implications before the item is finalized.

The committee recessed after the vote and staff reminded members of another May meeting to consider remaining policies.