Massachusetts Districts Weigh Device Limits, Abuse Policies and Budgets

School committees in several Massachusetts districts are weighing changes to technology use, student protections, budgets and school policies. In Worcester, a petition to remove individually assigned internet-connected devices from preschool through second grade will receive further review after parents criticized the district’s response and urged greater transparency about its position. Needham’s committee reviewed a child abuse and neglect policy developed after a report following the 2025 arrests of district employees, clarifying reporting duties, staff training and school-based responsibilities. Winthrop administrators are beginning work on the 2027–28 school budget, including a review of special education Circuit Breaker reimbursements and whether stabilization funds may be needed. Westport’s policy subcommittee agenda includes instructional and library materials policies, as well as a proposed artificial intelligence policy.