During the May 14 Board Workshop, RISD leadership presented several important updates to the Board of Trustees.
Technology with Purpose: RISD Focuses on Learning, Not Just Screen Time
RISD shared an update with the Board of Trustees outlining the district’s vision for “Technology with Purpose,” reaffirming that technology in classrooms is about more than access to devices; it is about creating meaningful learning experiences that support student growth.
Guided by RISD’s North Star Goal of ensuring all students, teachers and leaders meet or exceed academic growth goals, district leaders emphasized a clear focus: students should learn with technology, not from technology.
Technology remains an important part of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and plays a valuable role in preparing students for the future. However, RISD recognizes technology should enhance instruction, not replace the meaningful relationships and high-quality teaching that happen in classrooms every day.
District leaders shared that technology is most impactful when it helps students create, collaborate, problem-solve and think critically rather than simply consume content. The focus is on using technology intentionally to deepen learning experiences and support student engagement.
“When students experience real human connection, deeper learning and greater achievement follows,” said Superintendent Tabitha Branum. “Technology remains an important classroom tool, but our priority is ensuring students use it with purpose – actively engaging in learning rather than passively consuming content. We are grateful to our parents for their feedback on this topic and for their partnership to continue creating the best possible learning environment for our students.”
As part of the presentation, the district also addresses feedback from families, staff and community members regarding screen time, classroom expectations and student technology use. RISD has heard families’ desire for a stronger balance between technology use and hands-on, interactive learning experiences.
In response, the district outlined several next steps designed to strengthen consistency and reinforce purposeful technology use across schools, including:
- Clarifying screen time recommendations by grade level
- Extending YouTube restrictions beyond elementary campuses into secondary schools
- Eliminating technology as a behavior incentive or indoor recess activity
- Increasing classroom monitoring and transparency
- Providing additional guidance and examples for teachers on intentional technology integration
These updates reflect RISD’s ongoing commitment to ensuring technology supports learning in age-appropriate and meaningful ways while reinforcing healthy technology habits and digital citizenship.
As RISD moves forward, district leaders reaffirmed that exceptional teaching remains at the center of every classroom. Technology is one of many tools available to support creativity, collaboration and student success — but nothing can replace the impact of great teachers and high-quality instruction.
We appreciate the continued partnership and feedback from the community as the district works to create engaging learning environments where every student can thrive. Next steps on expectations and implementation will be communicated to parents as part of our back to school outreach.
Budget Update
The board received a budget update for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, which outlines a strategic financial plan focused on academic growth while managing declining student enrollment and property value fluctuations. The Board of Trustees is responsible for adopting the annual budget for the following three funds:
- Child Nutrition Fund – The district projects about $19.3 million in revenue for Child Nutrition, up from $17.2 million last year, mainly due to federal funding increases. Student meal prices will remain the same, and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) campuses will continue to provide meals at no cost. Staff are proposed to receive 2%–3% raises depending on their role.
- Debt Service Fund – Bond 2025 is expected to increase the I&S tax rate from 35¢ to 39¢. About $200 million in bonds were sold in May 2026. Property values are projected to remain flat in 2026–27 with modest growth afterward. The district maintains strong bond ratings (Aaa/AA+).
- General Fund & Enrollment – Enrollment is projected to continue declining to about 35,704 students in 2026–27. New proposed costs total $1 million, including enrollment marketing and special education staffing. To address budget gaps, $25.7 million in reductions are being implemented.
- Key Dates
- June 4, 2026: Budget hearing/adoption
- July 1, 2026: New fiscal year for the district begins
- Aug. 17, 2026: Tax rate adopted
New Mass Communication Platform Coming Soon
RISD will be transitioning to ParentSquare, a new mass communication platform for the 2026-27 school year, to help teachers and families work together for student success.
ParentSquare is a unified, secure communication and engagement platform for K-12 schools, designed to streamline communication for families.
The new mass communication platform is funded through Bond 2025 thanks to the RISD voters’ approval.
Learn more about ParentSquare and stay tuned for more information about this mass communication platform.
