Dear Ralls County R-II Families

 As we prepare for the 2026-27 school year, I want to share an important update regarding student Chromebook access. Beginning next school year, Ralls County R-II will no longer utilize a 1:1 Chromebook model in grades K-8. Students in grades 9-12 will continue to receive individual Chromebooks, while students in grades K-8 will have access to shared devices when technology is needed. This decision was made after careful consideration, staff feedback, and ongoing conversations about how technology is being used in our classrooms. 
 Technology remains an important educational tool. Chromebooks provide access to research, educational software, assessments, and feedback for both the teachers and the students that can enhance instruction when used appropriately. For that reason, Chromebooks will continue to be readily available to students and teachers throughout the district. However, we have also become increasingly aware of the challenges associated with providing every student a personal device throughout the school day. Teachers frequently report that online distractions can compete with classroom instruction. Additionally, devices can create challenges at home and require significant expenditures each year for repairs, replacement parts, and eventual device replacement. 
 To better understand staff perspectives, surveys were conducted with both elementary and middle school teachers. Among our junior high staff: 
 100% indicated that classroom sets or rolling carts were the most efficient method of utilizing Chromebooks for student learning. 
 92% believed moving away from a 1:1 model would help reduce distractions. 
 92% reported that students use Chromebooks for academic purposes 30 minutes or less per day 
 Among our elementary staff: 
 95% reported students need Chromebooks for 25% or less of the school day. 
 Many teachers identified Chromebooks as a valuable instructional resource, but not a tool that needs to be in students' hands throughout the day. 
 The most common concerns included excessive screen time, distractions, and the importance of maintaining strong foundational skills through traditional instructional methods.

 Chromebooks will continue to be available whenever students need them for MAP, EOC, classroom assessments, research projects, or other instructional activities. Our goal is not to eliminate technology from the classroom. Rather, our goal is to ensure technology is used strategically when it adds value to student learning. We believe classroom-based access provides an appropriate balance between utilizing technology and maintaining a strong focus on direct instruction, reading, writing, and hands on learning experiences. As with any significant change, there will likely be some bumps in the road as we transition away from a K-8 1:1 model. That is to be expected and we will continue to evaluate the process and adjust as needed. Chromebooks will remain available when instruction requires them, but we believe this approach provides a better balance between technology use and classroom learning. Thank you for your continued support of Ralls County R-II. We appreciate the feedback of our staff and families as we work to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Koogler 
Superintendent of the Ralls County R-II School District