Highline’s Tech Levy Is Passing. What About Limits on Student Screen Time?

Highline Public Schools' technology levy appears headed for passage. But parents’ concerns about too much classroom technology remain.

The levy would provide $12 million annually for four years for devices, software, cybersecurity, networks and other technology expenses, according to Highline Public Schools. The question now: What safeguards will come with that spending?

Superintendent Ivan Duran promised accountability in his November 4 message to families.

“We recognize the trust voters place in us, and we take that responsibility seriously,” he wrote, committing to “being transparent about our progress and keeping our community informed.”

Parent and education advocate Kristen Price’s response was direct.

“Starting when? Trust requires transparency, not selective disclosure.”

Seattle is setting limits

Seattle Public Schools is moving to reduce screen time and restrict what students can access.

Its plans, presented at the November 4 board meeting, include:

• Kindergarten through second grade: Zero to 30 minutes of daily screen time and shared classroom devices instead of individually assigned iPads.
• Third through fifth grade: A 60-minute daily limit and a move away from one device per student.
• Platform restrictions: Blocking YouTube for kindergarten through fifth grade, Minecraft across all grades with exceptions for approved instruction, and student access to Gemini AI. The presentation also identifies controls blocking Google Search AI summaries.
• Across classrooms: No devices for incentives, free time or rewards.

Seattle announced the youngest students’ changes in September, with implementation beginning January 4, 2027. Expanded YouTube and Minecraft restrictions are scheduled to begin November 9, according to KUOW.

Seattle’s presentation acknowledged families’ concerns that excessive screen time was replacing hands-on learning, AI lacked clear oversight, and digital programs overlapped.

FOX 13’s Jennifer Dowling reports on Seattle’s technology restrictions and parents’ concerns.

Highline parents have been asking, too

In May, parents told The Highline Journal they had limited visibility into classroom technology. They questioned screen time, YouTube access, privacy and whether digital programs were helping children learn.

Highline responded that technology supports instruction as one tool among many. The district said it does not require a set amount of screen time. Its response did not identify a daily maximum.

In an October letter, parent Lauren Schmidt called for age-based technology rules, stronger privacy protections and restrictions on advertising and inappropriate content. Those concerns preceded the election. Levy approval does not answer them.

Cell phone policy also remains unresolved. Students presented recommendations June 3. In September, Highline said it was waiting for state direction while schools continued using their own guidelines.

What happens next?

The levy supports essential systems as well as classroom devices. Its passage does not automatically mean more student screen time.

Will Highline consider Seattle’s elementary safeguards? Will parents know which programs their children use, for how long and why? What results would justify keeping a program, or dropping it?

Duran has promised transparency. Parents are asking what that will look like in their children’s classrooms.

The Highline Journal asked Highline Public Schools about its technology safeguards and plans to address parents’ concerns. We will publish any response.