March 24, 2026 School Board Work Session on Educational Technology – Focus on APS Devices Working Group
On Tuesday, March 24 APS School Board held a Work Session on Educational Technology on the Device Working Group’s recommendations. Superintendent Dr. Duran kicked off the session with a strong signal that APS has “gone too far with technology” and needs to think about a better balance with technology, and ensuring technology is intentionally used for instructional purposes. He noted that there has been resounding support from Kindergarten teachers on the removal of iPads and it’s enabled more of a focus on instruction.
Staff, led by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Mann, reiterated the need to recenter the use of technology around student learning and take into account concerns about distraction, shallow learning, and the impact on foundational skills. Staff presented the findings from community input on device use, and then moved to the recommendations for device use for next year. The feedback from stakeholders on device use showed a strong desire for clarity and consistency in how devices are used; concerns about overuse, especially in younger grades; interest in balancing digital tools with hands-on and traditional learning experiences; and a need for clear communication about expectations for school and home use. Staff emphasized that APS should be moving from device as the default use to device for internal learning – from passive learning to active learning.
Staff then shared the recommendations for device use for the upcoming two school years which focused on limited pilots related to device access in 2026-2027, with an expansion in 2027-2028. Staff did not provide recommendations on which subjects benefit from a device, or the removal of 1:1 in middle school, or recommendations for textbooks and notebooks based on subject.
APS’s proposed two-year implementation plan has the following components:
For SY 2026-2027
Grade 1, 1:2 device ratio (remains the same)
Grade 2-5, full class sets of devices, stored in a charging cart.
Grade 6-12, remains the same
Pilots:
Grade level carts for Grade 1-2 at two elementary schools
Laptops in Grade 6-8 at one middle school
For SY 2027-2028
Grades 1-2, Grade level carts
Grades 3-5, Full class sets of devices stored in a charging cart.
Grades 6-12, Laptops for all students.
After the staff presentation, School Board members asked questions about the recommendations.
School Board Vice Chair Miranda Turner thanked the working group and staff, and asked about the reasoning behind the grade level recommendations and for specifics about how devices enhance learning at each level. She is concerned staff is recommending continued use because of inertia and SOL testing. Staff noted that the ability to differentiate on devices and the ability to give feedback. Ms. Turner emphasized the need for handwriting and writing on paper.
School Board Member Kathleen Clark asked if the data from apps is being used for IEPs because it’s very useful for special education, and staff noted that feedback on work is incorporated.
School Board Member Zuraya Tapia-Hadley asked about priorities and the strategy behind decisions, in particular the specific activities. She is concerned about using devices for drafting, problem solving, or creation. Staff noted that they are deliberately rolling back use, and that reading comprehension and writing development should be on paper, but in third grade assessments become more digital. Staff also noted the incorporation of a new app to monitor student use and the ability to create playlists of acceptable activities for students on the devices to create a managed digital environment. As follow-up, Ms. Zapia-Hadley expressed her concerns about how many resources, time and money, APS is devoting to managing a digital environment, versus focusing on student learning.
School Board Member Moe Bryant – asked how can APS can be more responsive sooner instead of just pilots, and School Board Chair Bethany Zecher Sutton joined this question, noting that there was no pilot for the removal on ipads in PreK/K. Ms. Zecher Sutton noted the Board wants a more assertive plan than what is being laid out. Staff responded that ipads are a part of teacher practice and APS can’t remove them without giving teachers something else to use.
Ms. Bryant asked about how to alleviate the burden of student digital withdrawal on educators. Staff noted that if there is digital withdrawal, the devices weren’t used correctly.
Ms. Zecher Sutton asked about the timeline for implementation and staff noted that the need for professional learning and training.
Ms. Turner asked about thinking through a longer, iterative process on how far t reduce use, given that Kindergarten teachers appreciate the ipad removal and there’s so much research and support for reduction. She encouraged staff to think through what right sizing use would be
Ms. Tapia-Hadley asked about the criteria for selecting pilot schools, to which staff responded that many schools have expressed interested. Ms. Tapia-Hadley noted that if there is no criteria, why wouldn’t they do every school that volunteers or all elementary schools? Staff responded that the professional learning burden would be too great. She then asked about including some criteria such as test score, literacy rates, or schools with need to connect this to an academic change.
Ms. Turner asking about improving time for implementation.
Ms. Zecher Sutton noted there would be follow up on cost and budget implications, and asked for the slides to be updated with details on the device working group.
Ms. Bryant asked for the pilot results to be evaluated.
