On Wednesday, Aug. 12, the 10-member State Board of Education shared a sense of urgency for developing a consensus by November on boundaries and expectations for laptops and pads that have become common in K-12 schools. That three-month timeframe would enable the state board to implement its version of best practices before the Kansas Legislature convenes in January 2027 to consider its own education agenda.

Members of the state board expressed a range of personal views on implications of technology in schools while discussing either a recommendation or requirement that districts adopt technology plans that kept the best interests of students at the forefront. Concern was expressed by Republicans and Democrats on the state board that too much technology was detrimental to students, especially children in early grades.

“We have to be the leaders to make sure people understand that there are negative consequences,” said Jim Porter, a Fredonia Republican member of the board and a former teacher, principal and superintendent. “There are significant negative consequences. Now that we know that, we have to communicate that.”

There was conversation among board members about imposing a ban on classroom technology until students reached the third grade.

“Screens don’t belong in kindergarten. The end. It’s static. It’s not engaging,” said Melanie Haas, a Democrat from Overland Park on the state board. “I would like to see a ban through second grade.”

The state board could impose a powerful incentive for districts to comply with a ban by including it in accreditation standards applicable to public schools statewide.

Board member Danny Zeck, a Republican from Leavenworth, said the state board’s adoption of meaningful restraint on instructional technology had the potential — however small — to discourage the Legislature from wading into the subject. He said legislators during the 2026 session imposed a near-prohibition on student possession of cellphones during school hours. That controversial bell-to-bell moratorium at public and private schools was signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly.

“What’s going to happen is we’re going to do a great job, give good guidance and then the Legislature is going to come in and do their stupid stuff,” Zeck said.

Members of the State Board of Education appeared eager to share model policy on technol