Board introduces resolution to study student screen time after parent organizing; senator and members urge more detail

Board member Amy Olivo presented a resolution asking the board to formally study technology use and screen time in district schools and to direct the superintendent to report back with recommendations for policy changes in time for the 2027–28 school year. Olivo said the PG Parents for Smart Tech Use group formed in May 2026 and met with the district CIO; Dr. Andrew Zuckerman issued a memo on Oct. 17 that removed YouTube access for elementary students and limited Chromebook use during unstructured times as a phased baseline.

Senator Alonzo Washington spoke in support and urged the board to specify study questions: how many hours students spend on screens, what applications are used, who monitors usage and whether practices are developmentally appropriate by grade level. Board members endorsed the resolution while stressing the need to protect students with disabilities and to craft the study with parents and staff input.

The resolution was put forward as a baseline measure to formalize and expand existing changes and to provide a roadmap that could inform policy recommendations next school year.