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Technological expertise for our school board

Vaseline October 15, 2024

Perry Rosenstein
| Reno Gazette Magazine

In today’s digital age, having technological expertise in our school administration is not only helpful, but crucial. But currently, no one on our board is bringing this crucial perspective to the table. Having founded two successful technology companies, I am uniquely qualified and eager to fill this critical gap.

Let me be clear: despite my background in technology, I don’t believe technology is the answer to everything. The most important thing is involving every student, and that means recognizing that children have different interests, talents and ways of learning. To truly reach every student, we must go beyond STEM and embrace a broad curriculum that includes arts, physical education, career and technical education. There are many ways to develop the crucial skills our children need – critical thinking, creativity, problem solving and collaboration – and by offering a broad, enriching curriculum, we open more doors for students to discover their passions and develop the skills build something that is useful. them for life.

That said, technology and innovation are critical – and we must invest wisely. While it is tempting to chase the latest trends, we cannot afford to adopt technology for technology’s sake. Our district needs leaders who can ask the tough questions to distinguish between innovations that truly improve learning and innovations that are costly distractions. I demand real, measurable benefits for our teachers and students, and ensure that technology supports, not detracts from, teaching and learning.

Additionally, our district currently lacks comprehensive policies on two critical technology issues: artificial intelligence and cell phone use in schools. As AI rapidly develops, it begins to play a greater role in education, and we need to proactively create policies to guide its ethical and effective use. AI has the power to provide every teacher with an assistant, and every student with a tutor. But without clear guidelines, we risk dismissing a powerful resource, or allowing AI-generated content to undermine critical thinking and academic integrity. It is essential to find the right balance and unleash the potential of AI while protecting the quality of education.

The problem of mobile phone use in schools also requires attention. Phones can be both a learning tool and a source of distraction. Without thoughtful policies, they can disrupt focus, social-emotional development, and meaningful classroom engagement. Teachers need district-level support and consistent guidelines to effectively manage phone use in their classrooms. I will ensure we have policies that promote student focus and wellbeing, while still recognizing the role technology can play in their education.

My vision is to bring a technologically savvy yet holistic perspective to the school board, focusing on what really matters: creating an education system that engages every child, equips them with the skills they need for the future, and technology used in a thoughtful manner. , meaningful ways. Together we can build a system that prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow – not by chasing every trend, but by investing in what works for our teachers and children.

Perry Rosenstein is running for the Washoe County School Board after finishing first in the June primary. He founded two successful technology companies before becoming a substitute teacher and mentor for at-risk youth. He holds degrees from Stanford University in symbolic systems (computer science, AI, etc.) and economics. Perry lives in Reno with his wife and two sons, and is expecting a baby girl on October 31.

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