“The Goal is Invisibleness”: Watertown School District Delivers 2026 Tech State of the Union

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - From the “pioneering” days of 2003 to the artificial intelligence revolution of 2026, the Watertown School District is focusing on a future where technology is a seamless, “invisible” part of the classroom experience.

During Monday night’s School Board meeting, IT Director Tim Kruse presented a K-12 technology update, outlining a department mission to provide secure, innovative support that empowers students in an ever-changing digital landscape.

An “Invisible” Tool for Learning

Kruse, a former history and government teacher, emphasized that the district’s philosophy is rooted in utility. “Our goal is always to use technology as a tool to enhance learning and teaching, not for the sake of technology itself,” Kruse told the board.

“When technology is working well, it should be invisible. It shouldn’t be on the forefront; it should be on the back burner.”

State of the District by the Numbers

The Watertown School District remains largely an “Apple district,” citing the ecosystem’s longevity, security, and refined user experience. Currently, the department manages approximately 5,000 devices across its buildings:

·        Primary Grades (K-6): Use 7th through 10th generation iPads.

·        Middle School: Recently received 11th-generation iPads equipped with new keyboard cases to bridge the gap toward laptop usage.

·        High School & Staff: Utilize MacBook Airs (primarily models with M1 processors).

Kruse noted that while upfront costs for Apple products can be higher, the five-year replacement cycle and high resale value make them a responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.

The AI Frontier: Literacy Over Shortcuts

Addressing the rise of Artificial Intelligence, Kruse likened the current moment to the internet’s birth in the 1990s. He emphasized that the district is moving toward a “literacy” approach rather than a ban.

“The tool is here to stay,” Kruse said. “We need to teach kids how to use it responsibly... it is not a shortcut for doing your work for you.”

The IT department is currently providing staff with access to enterprise versions of Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. A professional development Session scheduled for next month will specifically train teachers on implementing AI for lesson generation and pedagogical support.

Life Skills Beyond the Device

A significant portion of the update focused on shifting from “software skills” to “life skills.” The district’s curriculum increasingly emphasizes:

·        Digital Citizenship: Navigating the web safely and ethically.

·        Vetting Sources: Learning to identify AI-generated content and verify information in an era of “deepfakes.”

·        Critical Thinking: Using technology to solve problems rather than just consume content.

Kruse concluded by reiterating that while devices will change—evolving from static screens to more personalized, adaptive tools—the goal remains the same: student readiness for the world beyond K-12.