Parent asks North Penn board for phased review of Chromebook take-home policy

During the audience of citizens, Sarah Hunsberger of Thomaston Township, a parent of two Inglewood Elementary students, asked the North Penn board to conduct a phased, parent-driven review of student technology policies, focusing on cell phones, smartwatches and district-issued Chromebooks.

Hunsberger said she supports technology fluency but wants device introductions to be developmentally appropriate and to respect parental roles. She described behavioral and sleep changes in her household after students had unmonitored access to district Chromebooks at home and urged the district to consider limiting take-home devices for kindergarten through third grade unless parents request otherwise.

"I am the parent of 2 children who attend Inglewood Elementary... I think this is an ideal time for North Penn to conduct its own review of our student technology policies," Hunsberger said. She added that she appreciated information from Lindsay Smith, the district director of technology, but that communications about existing parental controls may not have reached all families.

Board president Ramach thanked Hunsberger, offered to follow up with the technology director and noted that a parent group is forming to discuss these issues. "We'd love your ideas," Ramach said, and the administration said it would check in after the meeting.

The request was recorded by the board for follow-up; the administration indicated tools and resources exist and that further communication and engagement with parents will occur.