Highline Schools
May 27th Community Discussion on Technology in Schools, Student Privacy/Data Concerns & Rising Costs
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT:
May 27, 2026
6:15pm
RSVP for location...
Why Is This Topic Important?
Increasing hacks and cyber attacks are targeting our students' private data through school & program data breaches, data harvesting of student info by big tech, surveys and assessment tools, cellphones, and concerns of rising tech spending. But if the purpose of tech access was to make for better education, reports show only a consistent decrease in the drop of student academic rates as more and more laptops and technology has replaced pen, paper and actual textbooks in our schools.
The use of AI has amazing benefits, but concerning trends are showing troubling signs in our children mental health, and parents are asking more questions of elected leaders about safeguarding our children's personal and academic data footprint.
Highline Schools Refuse to Engage in the Conversation:
In another invite extended to our elected School Board Members, we received a response from Superintendent Duran, citing they have no interest in "participating in this event, or future events..." that are centered around the communities interests.
It would appear our 'independent' Board members are more of a voting block, than individuals representing their districts and constituents.
"Highline Public Schools is committed to engaging directly with our families and community around important issues that impact our students. We will not participate in this event or future events organized by your group, as we believe important conversations about Highline students and schools are best held through direct engagement with our students, families and staff through established opportunities for dialogue and feedback." -Dr. Ivan Duran
Here are some recent stories we have reported on this issue:
Parents Weigh in on School Tech Use; Highline Responds to Questions
As technology and AI increase in the classroom, what do parents think? What does Highline District say?
Stuart Jenner
UPDATE: Highline Doubles Down on i-Ready Despite Lawsuit, Privacy Concerns, and Parent Outcry
UPDATE: Whistleblower and Highline parent Kelly Stonelake who advised the Highline Board to review digital assessment tool last week, now has a meeting with superintendent.
Katie Kresly
Rising Concerns Nationwide About Tech in Schools
Rising concerns over classroom technology, screen time, and student outcomes emerge as Highline considers a costly new technology levy proposal.
Stuart Jenner
The Price of Big Promises: Highline’s Billion-Dollar Plans Signal a Texas-Style School Funding Crisis
Texas school debt offers a cautionary tale as Highline voters weigh new bonds and levies, raising questions about debt, spending, and academic results.
Melissa Petrini
Why Wait? Highline Students Deserve Smartphone-Free Schools Now
Readers can engage by signing the letter, contacting lawmakers, completing the survey, and encouraging thoughtful, consistent districtwide phone policies.
Guest Writer
Here at The Highline Journal, our goal is to encourage a thriving community, where people are informed through trusted and truthful information, where neighbors are engaged, and where communities are connected through meaningful action.
Rather than continuing the divisive debate, many want to come together and understand and work together for the sake of their children and families. We hope to bring people together to listen, ask questions, and better understand one another through these monthly Series of Community Conversations.
What is Community Conversations?
Our Vision statement helps to guide us:
As part of that vision, we have brought together COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SERIES that we hope to host each month, that invites people from all perspectives and views, to share and learn from one another, as we approach difficult and sometimes touchy topics on things that affect all of us.
In order to do this, those who decide to come and participate, will be required to agree to our Rules of Engagement, that will allow for these kinds of conversations to happen.
We invite you to join us for our Community Conversations each month!
Due to limited space, please RSVP to info@TheHighlineJournal.com for location and meeting information.
Members Discussion
Highline Journal Comment Guidelines
We believe thoughtful conversation helps communities flourish. We welcome respectful, on-topic comments that engage ideas, not individuals. Personal attacks, harassment, hateful comments, directed profanity, false claims, spam, or sharing private information aren't allowed. Comments aren't edited and may be removed if they violate these guidelines.