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State Board to consider draft policy for instructional technology
Sep 2, 2026
by Angela DeinesMembers of the Kansas State Board of Education will consider a draft policy regarding the effective use of instructional technology in Kansas schools during their monthly meeting next week, in Topeka.
The State Board will spend a significant portion of their September meeting discussing the draft policy that requires school systems to address the following:
Purpose and intended use of technology in elementary and secondary education settings
Student technology access and use
Digital citizenship and student well-being
Artificial intelligence
Privacy and security
Technology-use expectations and violations
“Within this framework, the Kansas State Board of Education is committed to supporting public school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in the development of policies and practices that maximize the educational benefits of instructional technology while promoting the health, safety, and well-being of students,” the draft policy states. “A cautious and directed approach to technology use for instruction, combined with meaningful engagement of parents, educators, students, and community stakeholders, can help ensure that the use of instructional technology enhances the educational experience and contributes to positive student outcomes while promoting the developmental, social, emotional, and physical well-being of students.”
Other presentations the State Board will hear during their September meeting include the following:
Dr. Frank Harwood, KSDE deputy commissioner, will explain the processes districts follow for capital bond and improvement state aid and the State Board’s responsibilities.
Representatives from the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) and the Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) will provide an overview of their programs, procurement procedures and budgets that will be presented to the 2027 Kansas Legislature. The State Board will also consider a request for approval for a search firm to find a permanent KSD superintendent.
Dr. Jay Scott, director of KSDE’s implementation and supports team, will update board members on the 2026-27 School Improvement Days aimed at helping district leadership teams develop their KESA action plans.
KSDE and Olathe USD 233 staff members will provide details about the virtual mock trial third grade students nationwide will be participating in on Sept. 17, in celebration of Constitution Day.
Additional items on the board’s September agenda include taking action on recommendations from the Professional Practices Commission (PPC) and the Evaluation Review Committee (ERC) regarding program approvals for Bethany College, Newman University and Ottawa University. Nominations to the PPC will also be a receive item this month with action expected to be taken during the board’s October meeting.
The State Board will meet Sept. 8-9, in the first floor boardroom of the Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson. The meeting will be livestreamed.
