In Thursday nights session of the Mountain Home School Board the board unanimously approved funds, to keep in line with part of the districts strategic plan, to utilize digital technology in the classroom. Future technological needs have been anticipated and fall in line with the budget. Upgrades include new Ipads, Macbooks and Chromeboooks for students and teachers.The board approved just over $60,000 for Ipads and tablet recharging carts to be used by teachers and students. Federal programs director Leah Cotter says the funds will come from Title one funds which are based upon the percentage of children from low-income families in the district to help ensure all children meet state academic standards.
Another similar program Erate, which helps eligible schools and libraries obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access, will provide approximately 80 percent of funds needed to upgrade computer networks at Mountain Home Kindergarten, Nelson-Wilks-Herron, Mountain Home Junior High and Mountain Home High School. Director of Technology Chris Knight says future projects are in the works such as VOIP phones and security cameras.
Knight also recommended to the board an approval for a four year lease of Apple Laptops for teachers, in order to make the devices more mobile. He says leasing the computers would be more cost-effective in the long run, because the devices retain their resale value. He hopes to have the devices before the school year ends in order to ease the burden on teachers as they become familiar with them.
The total amount for the network upgrades and laptops approved by the board was just over $402,000.
The board also approved just over $25,000 in funds for new uniforms for the high school football team.
In other school board news, Dr. Leigh Anne Gigliotti highlighted the Mountain Home FlexPath Program. The program provides digital learning to students who have qualifying circumstances. Students can move forward with their academic pursuits in both the classroom and online. Over 80 online courses are offered and there are currently 31 students participating.
An example of the program’s effectiveness was given in regard to a student whose mom is a traveling nurse. The student is able to travel with her mom and supplement her education with the online courses.
The board also heard presentations from the Mountain Home Junior High Student Council and district librarians for School Librarian Recognition Month.
Special recognition was given to Mrs. Sheila Partee for over 30 years of service to the school district.
The board adjourned into executive session and made a number of personnel moves. A complete list can be reviewed by clicking the link below.
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