Board Approves New Student Device Plan to Support Learning The Clayton Board of Education has approved a new student device plan that will take effect beginning in the 2026–27 school year . The decision follows a District technology study and several months of research, feedback from students, staff and parents, and a review of how technology can best support teaching and learning across Clayton classrooms. The technology study began as part of the District’s regular five-year review of the tools and systems used to support teaching and learning. With many of the District’s current devices nearing the end of their lifespan and in response to recent legislation, the Board asked District leaders to accelerate the study so decisions about the District’s next student device plan could be made ahead of the upcoming school year. During the March 11 Board of Education meeting, Luke Heitert, chief technology officer, and Dr. Milenia Garganigo, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, presented the results of the study and shared a proposal for the District’s next generation of classroom devices. Under the plan: Although several devices were considered, the iPad was ultimately selected to replace Chromebooks in grades 3–8 because of its versatility and ability to support both creativity and productivity in the classroom.

Milenia Garganigo, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, presented the results of the study and shared a proposal for the District’s next generation of classroom devices. Under the plan: Although several devices were considered, the iPad was ultimately selected to replace Chromebooks in grades 3–8 because of its versatility and ability to support both creativity and productivity in the classroom. At the high school level, the iPad Air was selected because it offers the processing power and advanced capabilities needed to support more rigorous coursework and the professional-level tools older students require. “Through our conversations with students and staff, it became clear that we needed a device that gives students the flexibility to demonstrate their learning,” Dr. Garganigo said. “iPads were recommended because of their built-in accessibility tools and their ability to support both academics and creativity. With this device, students can move beyond consuming information to actively creating it, producing videos for class, scanning diagrams for anatomy and physiology, editing photos, drawing in art and much more.” Ensuring students can use technology safely was another important factor in the decision-making process. “Technology is constantly evolving, and it’s important that we stay current to ensure students remain safe in digital learning environments,” Heitert said. “When we evaluated different devices, the iPad stood out because it works well with our device management and security systems. That allows us to give students powerful tools for learning while still maintaining strong protections to keep them safe online.” Following discussion, the Board of Education voted to approve the plan as presented .

With this device, students can move beyond consuming information to actively creating it, producing videos for class, scanning diagrams for anatomy and physiology, editing photos, drawing in art and much more.” Ensuring students can use technology safely was another important factor in the decision-making process. “Technology is constantly evolving, and it’s important that we stay current to ensure students remain safe in digital learning environments,” Heitert said. “When we evaluated different devices, the iPad stood out because it works well with our device management and security systems. That allows us to give students powerful tools for learning while still maintaining strong protections to keep them safe online.” Following discussion, the Board of Education voted to approve the plan as presented . The new devices will be introduced beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Watch the video for an overview of the device capabilities, or view the Tech Study presentation to learn more.