Along with maintaining and updating the district’s phones and computers, the levy could include the possibility of buying more handheld devices such as the iPod touch multimedia device or notebook computers. Another possibility with a renewed technology levy could be a new content management system that would help schools and teachers build consistent Web pages and allow students and teachers to conduct school work over the Internet.
Board members expressed concern about the learning curve and training for teachers and staff.
“I think it addresses the needs of kids with different learning styles,” Eileen Thomson said. “My concern … is the training time involved for staff. I expect there would be some staff push back.”
Ron Morsette, district coordinator of technology, said “We’re not going to force technology in the classroom until there’s readiness.”
District staff presented four-year cost estimates. Primary priorities, such as replacing outdated systems and keeping systems current, could cost $7.4 million. Secondary priorities, such as relocating the network operations center and installing interactive whiteboards in the classrooms, could cost another $3.2 million. The handheld devices and content management system could cost the district another $2.1 million.
