The Broward County School District is preparing to reconsider its approach to classroom technology as the School Board prepares for a significant vote on Tuesday. Chairwoman Sarah Leonardi has submitted a request that would direct Superintendent Howard Hepburn to implement stricter controls over how students interact with digital devices and artificial intelligence tools. This move marks a notable shift in policy, moving away from the district's previous enthusiasm for widespread technological integration toward a more cautious stance driven by community feedback.
Proposed Restrictions on Early Education
The core of Leonardi’s proposal focuses heavily on protecting younger students. The plan would limit screen time for pre-K through second-grade pupils to "only what is necessary for state-mandated testing and/or accommodations for students with special needs." This restriction aims to reduce the amount of time young children spend looking at screens during school hours.
Additionally, the proposal mandates that a new district policy on technology and artificial intelligence, scheduled for discussion on August 4, must include "the maximum limitation on device and AI use" for all elementary-level students. The goal is to ensure that while older students may continue using these tools, younger learners are shielded from excessive digital exposure.
Addressing Safety and Mental Health Concerns
Beyond screen time limits, the board will also address safety protocols through software implementation. Leonardi’s request includes ensuring that "Linewize," a monitoring tool, is fully implemented to detect concerning student activity on school devices in real-time. This system would flag potential issues, such as students expressing intent to harm themselves or others, and send alerts directly to the District Security Operations Center for immediate review.
In an interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Leonardi explained that her goal is not to eliminate technology entirely but to promote "more responsible use." She cited data suggesting children do not need screens for most of their school day. Furthermore, she noted hearing from parents and students about negative effects on eyesight. However, she acknowledged that some students with disabilities rely heavily on these technologies for academic success.
A Shift From Previous AI Enthusiasm
This proposed curtailment contrasts sharply with the district's actions over the past year. In June 2025, Broward County announced a landmark collaboration with Microsoft to bring artificial intelligence to every corner of the district, adopting the largest version of the Copilot platform globally. The initiative was designed to help educators create lesson plans and improve operational efficiency.
Similarly, in March 2026, the board celebrated "Broward Powered by AI Day" after purchasing an AI teaching program called MagicSchool with a $1.2 million donation from local philanthropists Wayne and Lucretia Weiner. However, recent meetings have seen rising concerns from parents and educators regarding student privacy, costs, and the social effects of AI on learning.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming vote follows a June 23 discussion where Board Member Adam Cervera requested a pause on MagicSchool to review its impact. While that specific pause was deemed unnecessary due to summer closures, the broader conversation continues. Leonardi stated she believes Broward can still be a pioneer in AI education if it proceeds with careful responsibility.
