Since beginning my posts on this subject in June, we've tried to move forward each time and work towards a goal of having a 1 to 1 computer environment for the HS in the 2010 - 2011 school year. Hate to say it, but our timing is looking to be really LOUSY!
The technology team has done a great job of meeting to hash things out and has put together a plan that benefits all students K-12 through interactive technologies including LCD projectors, white boards, wireless slates, sound assist systems, and student response systems. But...to do this there is a price involved and on the heels of the Governor's 10% budget cut, it will be difficult for us to fund such a program without seeking community help through the implementation of an Instructional Support Levy.
Earlham is one of a handful of schools in Iowa that do not have this levy. The levy is a way to augment the district's funds, through an additional levy on property taxes or income surtax (for more information on this read this document). A Google search of Instructional Support Levy Iowa gives you some more reading info about this as it relates to Iowa schools. When I first arrived in Earlham in 1999, the district had this in place, but the levy was allowed to "sunset" when it came time to vote for the new building. The levy at that time was generating close to $200,000 for the district that was used primarily for technology and transportation purposes.
When the levy was allowed to sunset, another funding stream came available for schools called Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP). This was a federally funded stream of dollars that gave the district an average of $40,000 per year to use for technology. The dollars allotted are based on enrollment, and once a district reaches an average daily attendance of 600+ they no longer qualify for the funds. We started receiving these funds in 2004 and were able to begin our current practice of lease renewal through this program. The problem is, we have been a growing district and in 2008 we went over the 600+ number for average daily attendance and now no longer receive the funds.
The technology team will continue to meet to discuss other options for supporting our teachers with the tools they need to infuse technology in their teaching daily, but at this point we may have to shift our focus. Here's the plan for a 1 to 1 initiative that the group developed, hopefully the dates can just be changed when the vision becomes a reality!
