San Diego Unified Heard Us. Now We Push Further.

Thanks to 2,287+ of you who signed our petition...

On June 23, 2026, San Diego Unified unanimously voted to pass a landmark resolution  that places new limits on district-issued laptops!

This policy is the result of months of coordinated effort from community members like you who have advocated for evidence-based teaching methods in our publicly funded schools. This new policy will:

• Prohibit use of YouTube and gaming platforms on school-issued laptops (by August 10)
• Removes Chromebooks from transitional kindergarten classrooms, while still allowing for access to devices per a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 accommodation, and/or linguistic needs (by August 10)
• Implements a device cart model for grades K–2, while still allowing for access to devices per a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 accommodation, and/or linguistic needs (by December 18)
• Distributes screen-use guidelines by grade level (by December 18)
• Creates a standing advisory committee (which we will participate in) to guide ongoing reform
• Prohibits student Chromebook use during lunch, recess, passing periods, and before/after school while on campus (by December 18)
• Provides professional learning opportunities for educators on how to engage students in the effective use of technology to improve student outcomes (December 18) 
• Requires district-approved apps to be ad-free and restricts unapproved AI software (by May 2027)

Further, we cannot count providing professional learning opportunities as a win unless the district is using a solid research-backed framework to train educators on edtech use.

A first step, but not enough.

We celebrate this win, and we're clear-eyed about what's missing. The resolution is open to interpretation and doesn't include all the reforms our coalition wants. We're continuing to advocate/campaign for:

• The district to adopt a research-backed framework for evaluating technology use at every grade level
• Clear opt-out procedures for Chromebook use during school hours
• Limiting Chromebook use through 5th grade for State/District-required assessments (while still allowing access to devices per a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 accommodation, and/or linguistic needs)
•  A computer cart/technology lab model for middle school
• Establishing a research-backed technology curriculum by grade level
• A moratorium on student-facing generative AI
• Public disclosure of financial technology investments and contracts
• Realigning taxpayer funds to directly support teachers and evidence-based learning methods
• Critical reassessment of the i-Ready assessment tool

Read more about the district resolution and Schools Beyond Screens SD perspective: Voice of San Diego | KPBS | Union Tribune

Want to help us continue the fight?  Here's how to take action right now: 

Step 1: Email the district
Tell district officials you want a stronger, more concrete policy, not vague guidelines. Send an email using our template 

Step 2: Join our contact list and spread the word
Know someone who shares these concerns? Send them our contact form so they can join our growing community.

Step 3: Get more involved
Want to help? Complete the volunteer intake form.

Thank you for advocating for children to receive evidence-based teaching methods in our publicly funded schools.  

Schools Beyond Screens San Diego

A local chapter of Schools Beyond Screens