Hi,
Thank you to the speakers and community members who attended Tuesday's board meeting. Six speakers addressed the issue of technology use during public comment, linked here. The board discussed technology and you can view it here.
Here is a brief summary:
- Full day Kindergarten has a limit of 30 minutes per day. No limits were discussed for other grade levels.
- Board members requested that the administration provide an annual summary of technology usage to create a baseline and to monitor changes.
- Board discussed that technology should not be used as a reward or during recess time.
- Board member asked Brad Newkirk (Chief Academic Officer) if these curriculum companies push their software options over workbooks/paper options. He said yes.
- Board members discussed BPS’s policy that currently states technology should only be used for education and instructional purposes. Wondered if we are in violation of current policy.
- Both the board and administration agreed that technology should be utilized strictly for intentional instruction and targeted academic support, rather than as a classroom management tool.
- Tara Gray was sworn in to take one of the vacant school board seats.
The next board meeting is on July 21st at 7PM. We need you to show up and support this work. We need new speakers to commit their time (bring your kids if necessary). We will prepare a brief statement that speakers can read if they choose to. It will have a few of our asks to make it clear to the board what we are asking for. We need new speakers to appear in July to demonstrate in person how many people care deeply about making these changes. Can you join us? We also need people to show up and listen to the board discussions throughout the meeting if public speaking isn't your thing.
We are excited about all of the engagement and growth our efforts have experienced in the last couple of months. We have a short survey to learn how people are interested in engaging with our efforts moving forward. Please take a moment to complete it: click here to take our survey and join our email list.
Reach out to us if you have any questions and continue to spread the word. Movements are taking place in towns all over the Chicagoland area. Email us at distractionfreeBAT@gmail.com for more information or find us on facebook.
Thank you,
Distraction-Free Batavia