Chair Heinrich called the meeting to order at 7:28 P.M.
M. Eberle asked if there had been any discussion regarding the bond article for kindergarten between the School Board and the PBC or the special appointed space needs committee. S. Heinrich reported that this article had been quickly put together and there had been no formal dialogue between the School Board and either committee.
The elementary computer specialists reported that the elementary schools are last in importance when it comes to communication issues. They indicated that there is only one modem and one phone line per school. Many teachers have e-mail and WEB access at home through the SERESC consortium. Until the Internet policy is finalized, student access to Internet in school is limited. It was noted that the district currently has access to NETSCAPE and UDORA and a lot of educational opportunities, for example, Maya Quest are being missed. D.Gibney reported that approximately 95% of student have computer access and 40-50% of these have Internet access. J. Flis noted that a virus protection policy will be as part of the Internet policy. Pam Tinker and Dorinda Gibney have received approval for a Digital Training Grant for off-site Internet training to be given during the summer. J. Flis suggested the Technology Committee investigate using the Merrimack Digital facility as the training site.
J. Flis noted that technology can be used to alleviate communication problems between teachers within each building and between teachers and parents. S. Isabelle noted that a current goal is the focus on this area and expand it. J. Flis suggested that teacher e-mail or voice mail addresses be published. S. Heinrich suggested that the committee remember to look at paper cost savings for e-mail/voice mail communication. D. Gibney stated that the training team which provided technical support to the teachers for the SERESC program needs to be acknowledged.
B. Hamm and J. Flis wanted to know why the district was still purchasing Apple computers. They had questions about Apple Corporation stability, the lack of available programs and the potential for having computers that the district cannot get repaired. The Technology Committee responded that this has been and will continue to be a consideration when any computer purchase is made. They indicated that school computers are heavily used and have a probable life of four years. However, the committee decided to eliminate specific computer brand references from their plans because they will purchase the best product at the best price.
J. Flis noted he is sponsoring a petitioned warrant article for an additional $100,000 to be used for technology. He had asked the Technology Committee for a specific list (which he provided copies of for all members) of how this money could be spent. He felt the Technology Committee deserved to be commended for being able to quickly produce a detailed list of what, why, where and costs. He requested an additional list of what other needed things had been cut in order to keep the list around $100,000. He indicated he wanted wants not wishes.
The middle school specialists discussed the grants that are currently being used for three specific projects: S.A.L.T. in B-6, Project Globe in B-7 and Volcanic Eruption in B-8. They indicated that MMS has provided the bulk of the data from all countries included in the S.A.L.T. program. They expect an additional modem and access point in the library shortly. However, the only fax available is in the principals office. They felt that teacher enthusiasm for these projects was terrific and was the key to the success of the various programs. They also brought ethics issues that should be addressed in the Internet policy.
The high school specialist noted that there is a dedicated phone line in the library, that the science department is participating in the Project Globe series as a result of a Digital grant, and the U.S. First team is doing most of its plan work via e-mail. J. Flis suggested that networking capabilities be considered as standard equipment when purchasing new equipment.
The consensus of all was that money was the biggest obstacle the district faces in regard to technology implementation.
On a motion from W. Oosterman, seconded by all, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:50 PM.
Planning & Building Committee
Last Updated: February 2, 1998 by Wayne Morrison