Levy approval would upgrade school technology

Published 8:00 am Saturday, January 28, 2006

“Out of order signs” are taped on three of the 29 computers in the career center at South Whidbey High School.

Several students researching class projects complain the machines that do work are too slow, they aren’t loaded with the software they need, and the keyboards are clunky to use.

“Our home computer is faster and easier to use,” said Denita Farmer, a freshman.

Farmer and other students and teachers hope the community will approve a capital levy on Feb. 7 to upgrade the district’s technology.

Also on the ballot, a $3.4 million maintenance and operation levy to supplement existing programs.

The capital levy will provide funding for needed repairs and renovations of school buildings and grounds and technology upgrades that according to school administrators and staff are essential to student learning.

Both are two-year levies to be paid out in 2007 and 2008. Combined they will cost property owners $1.44 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $432 for a $300,000 home.

Funding will pay for upgrades to the district’s technology infrastructure and will provide much needed hardware and software upgrades and instructional tools for classrooms, students, and staff.

The capital levy will raise $550,000 each year for two years. Of those funds, $425,000 will go to technology improvements and $125,000 will go to facilities each year.

The district currently has 700 computers for students, teachers and support staff.

“More than one half of those do not meet the minimal standards set by the state Department of Education,” said Brian Miller, director of technology for the district.

“The standards are based on five-year-old technology. Much of our current technology was purchased over a decade ago,” he said.

Computers are becoming increasingly important in the classroom.

In two years, all seniors will be required to complete an electronic portfolio to graduate.

“We have to have the technology available. These upgrades of hardware are so essential to a student’s final projects,” Hunter said.

“Student achievement goes down without adequate technology,” he added. “Most important it helps kids get excited about learning in new ways.”

On the district’s technology wish list are tools teachers can use to enhance instruction.

“They will be able to incorporate Internet, video and audio seamlessly into their instruction. Students will have access to current technology capable of Internet access and compatible with technology at home,” Miller said.

The last major technology funding came from the capital bonds passed in 1993. Those funds were spent primarily on technology infrastructure and equipment.

Since then, the district has relied on grants, donations and other district funds for technology.

But the district still lack the money to implement a regular upgrade and replacement schedule.