The Nyack school district has continually failed to make progress in addressing the shared concerns of parents about the wellness, safety, and educational value associated with educational technology and screen-based learning. The proposed 2026-29 Technology Plan fails to address any of these vital issues, and this will lead to further trust and communication gaps between concerned parents and school officials.

NYSED requires that the school propose up to 5 technology goals for 2026-29.  We, the undersigned, ask that the  Nyack district add a fourth goal to the existing technology policy.  That Goal should read:

"GOAL 4: Responsible and Developmentally Appropriate Technology Use Framework.  The district will establish a transparent framework for responsible and developmentally appropriate technology use across all grade levels. This work will include the development and publication of clear, grade-band guidelines that define the purpose, frequency, and duration of instructional device use.  This will involve promoting educational, intentional use and discouraging merely recreational or non-instructional use, with particular attention to the developmental needs of students in K–5. The district will create and publish a transparent device-use policy that is consistently communicated to families and implemented across all classrooms, reducing the current variability in practice from teacher to teacher. The district will also establish ongoing, structured mechanisms for meaningful family engagement on technology matters, including regular reporting to families on how and how often devices are used in each grade band, clear channels for parent feedback, and an annual community review of this framework."

WHY THIS MATTERS: As a parent deeply invested in every Nyack child's education and well-being, I am dismayed by the district's continued disregard for these pressing matters. Educational technology, while promising, must be implemented with careful consideration of potential impacts on student health, safety, and overall learning experience.

New research continues to highlight the detrimental effects that excessive screen time can have on children.  The American Academy of Pediatrics now says that "A growing body of research confirms the relationship between digital media and depression." In addition, even moderate child screen time promotes addictive relationships to screens, a failure to develop executive functioning, and reduced social abilities

The world is changing too quickly for the district to continue on this path.

The Nyack school district must adopt tech guidelines that are not only clear and cautious but also responsive to the concerns of parents. We need transparency in how decisions regarding technology use in schools are made. Furthermore, a collaborative approach involving teachers, parents, and administrators in creating these guidelines can ensure that they are comprehensive and consider all perspectives.

 Please sign this petition and urge the Nyack school district to prioritize our children's well-being and create a technology plan that aligns with the high standards that every community deserves.