By: Bill O’Connell
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
A presentation on the current status of technology available to students and a recommendation of how to keep up with advancements in that technology highlighted the Pike-Delta-York School Board meeting on July 27. Derek Friess, District Technology Coordinator and Andrea Johnson, District Director of Curriculum and Instruction gave the presentation to a full complement of Board members that laid out a plan to keep all Delta students current with changing technology over the next five years.
The plan would involve using a buying/replacement cycle and spending $95,000 per year to eliminate spending peaks. An estimated cost savings of $225,000 would also be realized if the plan is accepted. Mr. Friess also related to the board that Delta’s technology program is well thought of by other school systems in the area and, of course he would like to see it maintained at that level.
“In order for our students to be successful either in the work place or college or beyond they are expected to have this skill set,” added Ms. Johnson, emphasizing the importance for maintaining or increasing technology skills for Delta students.
Good news reported by Superintendent Ted Haselman when he informed the Board of that the school was going to receive a 21st Century Grant for a total of $150,000 over the next three years to help fund before and after school programs. Of the 200 applicants for this grant only 26 were chosen.
In other news, a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was purchased from McNeill Chevrolet in Swanton for $32.000.
Introduced at the meeting were two new employees. Chelsae Siebenaler was hired as the new school psychologist and Samantha Kaczmarek was hired as a third grade teacher.
This was the final meeting for CFO Eric Soltis who will be leaving to take a similar position in the Xenia school district. The search for a replacement is still underway.
The next meeting is scheduled for August 17 at 6:30 PM.
Bill O’Connell may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com