Another survey question:

Regarding hardware: Assuming all agree that all students should have equal access to technology: how does the system accomplish this? How should capital funds for technology be used? (Pick all that apply):

To fill in the gaps at schools that currently have inadequate technology. 57.5%
To enhance the technology available based on principal's stated needs. 43.8%
Capital funds should not be used on expanding technology at this time. 12.5%
Capital funds should only be used for maintaining technology at this time. 6.3%
Only a portion of the funds requested should be spent on technology at this time. 33.8%
Other:

1. And only at the schools that need technology the most AND the technology that they identify as needed

2. We have stupid rules that limit children from bringing their iPods to school. Rather than ISSing or OSSing them for using "personal electronics" at school we need to be passing out iPods with appropriate teaching content on them. Embrace the technology and manage it, don't drive kids away from then make them gag on a lacks integration of "too little" technology.

3. Face it; at the average BCPS school at least half the faculty are techno-challenged; fix that. I told a testing coordinator to just give me the Audible version of her presentation and she just looked at me like I was crazy or something. We really got to get over this hurdle!!

4. The school system needs technology now.

5. The Smartboards should be as much a part of every classroom as a whiteboard. An interactive display is a proven teaching tool. We don't ask principals whether they need black (or white) boards. And, as a former systems manager myself, it doesn't make sense to allow each facility to have its own individual loadout; the economies of scale (and the costs of maintenance and support) make it much better to buy the same hardware/software package for similar facilities; i.e., a package for elementaries, a package for middle schools, a package for high schools.

6. All schools in Burke County appear to have inadequate technology. Two million dollars is a small price to pay for a system that appears to have neglected technology for so many, many years. Where have Mr. Armour and Mr. Wilkinson been during all these years? As a result of the consent agreement and a law that was passed specific to Burke County that was tied to the consent agreement with the county commissioners that has since been declared null and void, doesn't the county commissioners get 50% of any new money coming to the Burke County Public Schools? Doesn't this mean that are getting the equivalent of half of the lottery funds that should go to technology? Wasn't this agreement the result of some of Mr. Armour's previous leadership?

7. Schools need some discretionary capital money that can be used for a variety of things in their buildings which may or may not include technology.

8. I am all for standardization, but Stellar has to understand that we are not the Beverly Hillbillies, we are intelligent and know our schools and communities. First of all the gaps are created because some principals are not as savvy in predicting or recognizing their needs, which is where the compromise comes in to play. Set some minimum standards across the district. Purchase Smart technologies, computers, document cameras, projectors, etc. However, ADM allocation is the most equitable way of distributing monies. Larger schools need a larger computer lab or two, while smaller schools may only need 15-20 maximum computers in a lab. Look at the class sizes of the grade levels in the schools. Again, come talk to the principals.

9. If we have to make hard choices because of inadequate funding, we need to put priority at the high school and middle school levels. These students will suffer the most if technology lags behind that available at the college level and most workplaces.

10. Principals know what their school needs....they requested and received what they asked for the past years.....did some not do their jobs???

11. The Central Office has no clue what the schools needs are. The specific needs in technology varies depending on the grade level of the student... a lot of talk of "labs" but technology in individual classrooms would better serve certain grade levels.

12. The community college is always replacing computers could we work out something with them?

13. Again, if the principal and staff appear weak - train them-if they do not meet standards, then deal with it immediately. You can place the finest technology out there but if no training occurs, then the students will not be properly instructed. Also, please note that old buildings need wiring to accept the new technologies therefore this could take more than a year to complete. Please watch the expense of this too.

14. We have been given equipment but no wires came with it so there is another BIG added expense for what seems so simple. It sounds as though several schools have maintenance issues that need to be dealt with.

15. We are not good stewards of money if we pour in money for computers and smart boards only to place them in leaky drafty rooms.

16. I think gaps can be filled and then updates can be made. As stated above, there needs to be some $$ set aside for training. Plus, the principal should help decide what is best for their own schools versus a one plan fits all approach.