Northeastern Wayne Schools leaders are surveying students and teachers as they consider whether to replace iPad tablets with Chromebook laptops, and to replace devices ahead of schedule.
Technology Support Specialists Brandon Perkins and David Comiso shared a technology update during the Jan. 21 school board meeting.
Perkins favors Chromebooks for several reasons. He said iPads aren’t as secure for students because they can get into other accounts on the tablets, unlike a Chromebook. And, with Chromebooks, officials can monitor if students are searching for topics such as self-harm, but they can’t see that from iPads.
Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien said students provided very constructive responses on a technology survey. Some noted essays were hard to write on an iPad, and several noted Chromebooks’ better security.
Perkins said he’s noticed NHS students are graduating without efficient typing skills because they’re used to tablets. He recalls a grad who returned, asking how to use a laptop in preparation for college.
Another motivation for the change is Senate Bill 159 that Indiana General Assembly is considering. Stricter parental controls on take-home devices wouldn’t work with iPads.
And, the longer the district keeps the iPads, the lower the buyback revenue.
Some NWS teachers have given feedback. Some believe Chromebooks could provide real-world skills and boost state assessment scores because students begin writing essays in third grade. Others felt change could be hard.
O’Brien’s planned discussion with the teachers’ association was canceled after math teacher Karla Franklin’s death. O’Brien will talk further with teachers about technology choices, and the board will consider short-term and long-term plans before potentially taking action.
Leadership
The board reelected President Shawntel Baker, Claypoole as vice president and Daniel VanDuyne as secretary. Baker and VanDuyne serve in the same roles on the Board of Finance.
Appointments included Trisha Thomas, school treasurer; Jen Roll, public records officer; and attorney AJ Sickmann.
The next board meeting will be 6 p.m. Feb. 18 at the student services building, 7299 N. U.S. 27, Fountain City. The public is invited.
In other business
- Northeastern High School Principal John Markward said Franklin’s unexpected death resulted in a tough week. Students and staff are processing emotions with support. Markward appreciates community partners who quickly provided grief counselors. Many of Franklin’s colleagues had known her for years.
“We’ll grieve in our time, but we’re there for kids first,” he said.
- Early Learning Center passed its licensing inspection with 100% compliance.
- New security cameras have been installed across the district.
- NHS student Lila Melton, an FFA Events Committee member, received approval to bring back “Drive Your Tractor to School Day” on Feb. 24 after a five-year absence.
- NWS received $2,000 from Purdue Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center toward manufacturing tools, supplies and student transportation to companies.
- The board approved a career/technical education memorandum of understanding with Rural Alliance Zone 32 and Randolph Eastern, Randolph Central and Monroe Central.
Personnel
- Hires: Tracy Bales, NMS special education teacher; Thomas Sheard, substitute bus driver; Brayden March, NMS special education teaching assistant; Mark Collins, NMS teaching assistant
- Transfer: Trevor Hall from permanent sub to choir teacher
- Extracurricular sponsors: Al Avery, NMS academic team coordinator; Eva Bogue, FFA adviser; Allison McCumons, summer Supervised Agricultural Experience sponsor; Jason Allen, softball coach
- Departures: Taylor Bane, NMS teaching assistant; Kassandra Day, NES special education teaching assistant
A version of this article appeared in the January 28 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.