Â鶹´«Ã½

On Monday, the Burke County Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to forego technology as much as possible when it comes to classroom instruction.

The resolution was titled, “Encouraging balanced instruction through reduced screen use.�

The resolution says pen-and-paper instruction should be the primary mode of learning in classrooms, particularly for note-taking, reading comprehension, writing and assessments.

The resolution makes the argument for using pen-and-paper instruction, saying it “encourages focus, minimizes distractions often associated with electronic devices, and fosters the development of fine motor skills and personal responsibility in note-taking and organization.�

It also said “research consistently shows that handwriting and reading from paper materials enhance comprehension, memory retention and cognitive engagement compared to reading or writing on digital screens.�

The resolution says educators and parents in Burke County have expressed a strong preference for traditional instructional methods that reduce dependency on technology.

The resolution says the board recognizes that technology plays an essential role in modern education but it has to be “balanced with proven traditional methods to best support student achievement and well-being.�

The resolution says the school system will prioritize investing in learning materials such as printed textbooks, notebooks and writing supplies. It says the school system will provide professional development to educators on “maximizing the effectiveness of traditional instruction methods.�

After reading the resolution, Board Chair Tiana Beachler said she wants to make it clear the board is not anti-technology. She said it's good that the school system will start moving back toward paper and pencil instruction where it can and where appropriate.

Board Member Leslie Taylor said the choice and the management of when to use pen and paper or technology will be in the hands of teachers.

Beachler said Burke County will be the first system in the state to make the transition.

Public Information Officer Cheryl Shuffler said the school system doesn’t have any cost estimates yet for switching to pen-and-paper instruction.

Shuffler said the school system’s curriculum team will use the resolution to guide professional conversations, inform classroom strategies and shape ongoing professional development.

“We will support our educators with training and resources on how to thoughtfully incorporate technology while also preserving the benefits of hands-on, tactile learning experiences,� Shuffler said.

Superintendent Mike Swan contract renewed

Superintendent Mike Swan got his contract renewed for another year Monday night and was recognized for being selected to lead District 7 of the North Carolina School Superintendents Association.

After coming out of closed session, the board voted 6-1, with Reid Beck opposing, to renew Swan’s employment contract for a year. The contract renewal extends Swan’s contract to June 30, 2029.

While the contract renewal extends his contract, it didn’t come with a pay raise. However, the board did vote 4-3, with Beck, Sonya Rockett and Brad Camp opposing, to give Swan additional vacation days.

Before the action to extend Swan’s contract, Board Chair Beachler announced Swan’s selection as chair of District 7 of the North Carolina School Superintendents Association. District 7 is made up of Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Hickory, Newton-Conover, McDowell, Alexander, Allegheny, Ash, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties, she said.

“This role is not just a title, but a testament to the trust, respect and confidence his fellow superintendents have in his leadership,� Beachler said.