Superintendent’s Community Update | September 27, 2026

Dear Fullerton School District Families:

During my recent time back in the classroom, I saw firsthand how technology can enhance learning when used with purpose. From practicing language skills to applying new concepts, technology provided students with another way to engage with their learning – while teachers remained at the center of instruction.

As technology continues to evolve, we also have a responsibility to regularly examine how it is being used across our schools. FSD is committed to purposeful, safe and age-appropriate technology use that actively engages students and supports learning.

Preliminary data shows that technology use during the school day varies by grade level, ranging from less than 30 minutes in our earliest grades to approximately 2.5 hours in grades 7-8, with usage gradually increasing as students progress through school and reference textbooks more often. Passive screen use – such as social media scrolling, personal cell phone use and watching videos without an instructional purpose – is not part of our approach.

This year, we are taking a deeper look. Separate surveys for students, families and teachers are being developed to better understand technology use and perceptions, alongside classroom observations and other data. We anticipate distributing the surveys this fall and reviewing the findings in the subsequent months.

Our goal is not simply more or less technology – it is using the right tools, at the right time, for the right reasons to help students learn and thrive.

For those interested in learning more, please watch the detailed presentation that was shared with our Board of Trustees on September 15.

With gratitude,

Gretchen Janson, Ed.D., Superintendent
Fullerton School District