Petaluma Schools Shifted Student Device Policies
The district has moved to restrict device use for young learners and phase out personal computers for high schoolers.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Petaluma City Schools Board of Trustees has initiated a plan to transition kindergarten and first-grade students to shared device carts. The district is also phasing out the policy that allows high school students to bring their own personal computers to school.
Why it matters
Trustees aim to decrease total screen time for the youngest students while addressing equity concerns and unauthorized social media use among older students. These updates mark a significant pivot from the one-to-one device policies established in 2014.
The district is replacing existing iPads with Chromebooks for students in grades two through six. Junior high students will also receive newly issued Chromebooks as part of the board's updated strategy.
The players
Petaluma City Schools Board of Trustees
The local governing body responsible for setting district-wide educational technology and student device policies.
The details
The board plans to consolidate classroom technology by moving away from individually issued devices for the youngest learners, opting instead for shared carts to limit daily screen time. For high schoolers, the district intends to end the practice of personal computer use, citing problems with equity and social media misuse. Administrators are currently preparing the official recommendation for the shift to shared carts for kindergarten and first-grade classrooms.
Timeline
2014: The district implemented the original one-to-one tablet and laptop distribution policy.
Start of 2026-2027 school year: The district's current cell phone ban went into effect.
October 6, 2026: The Board of Trustees held a meeting to discuss updated device policies.
The Home Front
The board's recent actions signal a move away from the widespread one-to-one device adoption that became standard in 2014. These changes reflect a broader regulatory shift toward limiting digital access to address academic equity and student engagement.
Parents with students in kindergarten through sixth grade should anticipate potential changes to the devices currently assigned to their children. If you have a high schooler, monitor district communications regarding when personal computers will no longer be permitted on campus.
The takeaway
The board is actively revising district-wide technology policies to balance digital learning with reduced screen time and improved campus equity. Keep an eye on school district notifications for future board meeting agendas regarding the upcoming vote on shared device carts.
Further reading
For more information on local classroom technology standards, visit the Secondary Education section.
Live Poll
Should your local school district reduce reliance on one-to-one digital devices for young students?
