Mesa Public Schools board approves $2M for technology improvements
Richard H. Dyer
The board discussed improvements to technology that would only affect high school students and many argued that it would help with research papers, collaboration and set them up for success in college and the workforce.
The Mesa Public Schools governing board recently approved an increase of $2 million in a technology contracts in a 4-1 vote.
Member Sharon Benson dissented, arguing that more technology could lead to cognitive decline and behavioral issues in the classroom.
The board discussed improvements to technology that would only affect high school students and many argued that it would help with research papers, collaboration and set them up for success in college and the workforce.
“I’m more concerned about the overutilization of technology and the pedagogy of what we’re doing,” Benson said.
She argued that Finland and Sweden are moving away from technology and that overutilization is affecting social issues as well.
“The students that I heard from actually want people teaching, not computer teaching,” she said.
Other members heard her concerns, but argued that college and the workforce use technology and that the use of technology in high school is used as a toy rather than social media and entertainment.
“I’ve lost track of the number of toddlers I’ve seen at the grocery store with a smartphone. I support this because it is for high school, because they need a laptop to do assignments and for college and even in the trades so it makes sense for us to do this,” said Rachel Walsh.
Others wanted to get ahead of the anticipated costs and the technology that will be required in the future.
“It really does cause a lot of stress for our students when the resources they need to complete their assignments don’t work,” said Clerk Lacy Chaffee, who shared that her son often struggles to use his laptop, which is missing keys.
Others recognized that higher education almost entirely relies on technology and that starting at the high school level helps with success in the future.
“Having taught at ASU, I think we need to make sure that our kids know how to use databases, and I’m not going to handicap our students for the future,” said member Marcie Hutchinson who taught history and Jazz at Arizona State University.
The board did not discuss how the funds would be used specifically but did say new technology will be hitting classrooms in the 2026-27 school year.
To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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