Tablets and apps. 3D printing. Robotics.
Keeping up with today’s ever-changing classroom technology is an enormous task for schools – about as tough as parents and grandparents keeping up with their ever-growing children and grandchildren.
While technology can never replace the importance of one-on-one assistance from educators who have personal knowledge of each student's skill level, the need to upkeep technology tools is becoming increasingly important. Falling behind in this task means students will not receive the top-notch learning opportunities they deserve.
With this in mind, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Lakers will be placing a technology bond on the May 5 ballot. It will replace the technology bond that expired last year. Three years ago, Laker voters approved a technology bond that paid for the one-to-one iPad program, security upgrades at school entrances, a new intercom system, digital security cameras, GPS on buses and more.
The technology bond proposal on the May ballot will raise the same amount of money as the previous bond, but for nearly half the millage. The last bond millage was .48 mill. The proposed bond millage will be .27 mill. This is because wind turbine companies will pay the difference, noted Superintendent Bob Smith.
This millage would amount to 27 cents on each $1,000 of taxable valuation. For a home with a taxable value of $50,000, the amount paid would be $13.50 per year.
"It is a great bargain to make certain that every Laker student has a wireless computer and current technology,” Smith said.
The May 5 proposal will cover 14 years, with the goal of continuing the current technology initiative and allowing for long-term planning and changes in technology.
Some of the expected technology purchases to be made with this technology bond – if approved – would include replacing aging iPad tablets and computers, improving the security camera system in classrooms and doorways and on buses, upgrading science lab technology, improving classroom technology (projectors, interactive whiteboards, etc.) and software, installing an elementary technology lab, phone system improvements and more. Buses also could be purchased.
The technology bond covers a lot of needs because some of the items that could be purchased with the technology bond funds do not currently exist. In a 14-year span, a lot of new technology will emerge.
During the 14-year bond, money would be collected in 2015, 2019 and 2023. All funds from any of these collections would need to be spent within six years. Therefore, the bond would take care of three technology replacement cycles, ensuring students continually receive top-notch technology opportunities.
"Having a 14-year bond also would eliminate the need for multiple elections, saving taxpayers money," Smith noted.
The technology bond funds would continue to be spent on technology-related items only. The funds cannot be spent on staffing, building maintenance or operation costs.
"We can give our young people a lifeline to the future for a little more than $10 dollars a year,” Smith said.
Keeping up with today’s ever-changing classroom technology is an enormous task for schools – about as tough as parents and grandparents keeping up with their ever-growing children and grandchildren.
While technology can never replace the importance of one-on-one assistance from educators who have personal knowledge of each student's skill level, the need to upkeep technology tools is becoming increasingly important. Falling behind in this task means students will not receive the top-notch learning opportunities they deserve.
With this in mind, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Lakers will be placing a technology bond on the May 5 ballot. It will replace the technology bond that expired last year. Three years ago, Laker voters approved a technology bond that paid for the one-to-one iPad program, security upgrades at school entrances, a new intercom system, digital security cameras, GPS on buses and more.
The technology bond proposal on the May ballot will raise the same amount of money as the previous bond, but for nearly half the millage. The last bond millage was .48 mill. The proposed bond millage will be .27 mill. This is because wind turbine companies will pay the difference, noted Superintendent Bob Smith.
This millage would amount to 27 cents on each $1,000 of taxable valuation. For a home with a taxable value of $50,000, the amount paid would be $13.50 per year.
"It is a great bargain to make certain that every Laker student has a wireless computer and current technology,” Smith said.
The May 5 proposal will cover 14 years, with the goal of continuing the current technology initiative and allowing for long-term planning and changes in technology.
Some of the expected technology purchases to be made with this technology bond – if approved – would include replacing aging iPad tablets and computers, improving the security camera system in classrooms and doorways and on buses, upgrading science lab technology, improving classroom technology (projectors, interactive whiteboards, etc.) and software, installing an elementary technology lab, phone system improvements and more. Buses also could be purchased.
The technology bond covers a lot of needs because some of the items that could be purchased with the technology bond funds do not currently exist. In a 14-year span, a lot of new technology will emerge.
During the 14-year bond, money would be collected in 2015, 2019 and 2023. All funds from any of these collections would need to be spent within six years. Therefore, the bond would take care of three technology replacement cycles, ensuring students continually receive top-notch technology opportunities.
"Having a 14-year bond also would eliminate the need for multiple elections, saving taxpayers money," Smith noted.
The technology bond funds would continue to be spent on technology-related items only. The funds cannot be spent on staffing, building maintenance or operation costs.
"We can give our young people a lifeline to the future for a little more than $10 dollars a year,” Smith said.