The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board questioned – but passed – a controversial tech contract at its first meeting since Superintendent Crystal Hill was placed on leave.
Instead of the proposed two years, the board only approved a one-year term.
In recent weeks, parents have questioned the use of technology in CMS schools, especially early on in elementary school and particularly a digital program called i-Ready, which CMS has used for the past two years. Students spend approximately 90 minutes a week on the platform, which has digital reading and math assessments and lessons.
District leaders said the tool allows students to receive personalized lessons while allowing teachers to see performance data for each student.
The proposed two-year contract would’ve cost CMS around $9.7 million. For one year, it will cost approximately $4.4 million. The school board initially placed the contract on its consent agenda, which is used for items without opposition, before moving it to the regular agenda ahead of the start of Tuesday’s meeting.
Board members said they received numerous concerns from CMS parents about the platform and the amount of in-school screen time in general.