What happened: During its Tuesday, April 21, meeting, the Midland ISD Board of Trustees examined classroom Chromebook use after Trustee Matt Friez raised concerns that the devices distract students and that teachers overuse them for instruction. District staff said they use technology for limited, supplemental purposes and monitor its use, but acknowledged that enforcement depends on campus leadership.

The big picture: Friez described a “big disconnect” between the district’s intended use of technology and what he said is actually happening in classrooms.

“We got rid of the cell phones, but I’m hearing over and over that these Chromebooks are doing what cell phones used to do,” Friez said. “They’re distracting. Kids are going down rabbit holes. They’re using their emails to message each other during class.”

Friez said he has heard consistent concerns that the district’s monitoring program, GoGuardian, is not blocking interactions it should. He questioned whether the current filtering approach is effective. He also raised concerns about screen time more broadly, citing research he said links increased screen use to reduced retention and developmental impacts.

“We need to deal with reality, not with what we want it to be,” Friez said.

Friez said he plans to formally request a report showing screen time by grade level and campus. District staff said they can generate the data, but cautioned that interpretation may be complex, noting that screen time totals may include after-hours use or time when students leave devices open. Superintendent Stephanie Howard said staff will review reporting options and bring recommendations back to the board.

Go deeper: Friez also focused on iReady, a digital learning platform that provides personalized math and reading practice, saying he has heard teachers overuse it in some classrooms. He questioned whether the program promotes superficial learning rather than retention.

District staff said that iReady has limited use, with a recommended maximum of about 60 minutes per week per subject. They said the platform should support instruction, not replace it, and that that principals should address overuse at the campus level by monitoring classroom instruction and lesson plans.

The district said teachers use Chromebooks to support individualized practice, reinforce previously learned material, and provide immediate feedback while working with small groups. Staff also confirmed that GoGuardian monitors student activity around the clock on district-issued devices and that parents can access a portal to view activity and set restrictions at home.