More Smart Boards
School board OKs purchase to enhance Language Arts curriculumBy STEPHANIE HAMM shamm@timesobserver.com
In a 7-1 vote Monday, the Warren County School District's board of school directors approved the purchase of technology items to enhance the 2009-2010 Language Arts curriculum.
"This was providing more skills in technology, in conjunction with Language Arts," said Amanda Hetrick, director of secondary education for the district.
The district will purchase Pearson/Prentince Hall brand Language Arts textbooks and materials, which have online capabilities and different difficulty levels.
The district will also purchase 40 Smart Boards and complementing projectors, along with new computers to be compatible with the textbooks.
The current bid estimate for the purchase of the Smart Boards is approximately $50,000. The textbooks will cost close to $295,000 and the computers will cost approximately $25,000.
A portion of the computers and projectors will be paid for with Title I funding. Funding will also be used from the 2008-2009 budget.
The costs associated with the installation of the Smart Board projectors was not included in the purchase price, which raised concern from one board member.
"We don't know a ballpark price," said Dr. Jack Martin.
It is estimated that the installation of the equipment would add about $50,000 to the project.
It was decided upon the estimate of the bidding specifications and quotes that they will be paid out of the Technology Capital Reserve pending board approval.
Martin opposed the motion.
In other business, the board voted to approve the purchase of the property at 19 N. South St. for $26,000.
Dr. Norbert J. Kennerknecht, director of buildings and grounds services for the district, said the house will likely be demolished.
Responding to questions about the possible expansion of South Street Early Learning Center, Kennerknecht responded, "You need more than just one property."
Stating that the drop-off and pick-up situation at the school is "boarder line unsafe" board member Dave Wortman suggested the possibility of looking at parking lot accessibility.
District Solicitor Chris Byham will close the agreement to purchase the property.
Additionally, the board approved Kelly Educational Staffing to provide additional services to the district, including tutors, substitute teachers, administrators, custodians and cafeteria workers.
Kelly Educational Staffing will mirror the pay rates set by the district, according to the board.
