Technology a Top Priority in District 196 Schools

Independent School District 196 is making an effort to include more technology in day-to-day learning, despite the steep cost of a tech-savvy education.

“Kids grow up with technology now,” said Jane Berenz, superintendent of District 196 schools, “[and] that’s their preferred mode.”

The district is currently in the process of implementing a wide range of high-tech tools and systems, according to Edward Heier, who is the district coordinator of technology. These tools and systems include interactive whiteboards, video projectors, document cameras, teacher sounds systems, student response systems, electronic distance learning and improved wireless access.

“Students just stay more engaged,” said Heier. “The engagement itself, hopefully, will increase student performance.”

Funding for these undertakings comes from a variety of sources, said Jeff Solomon, director of finance and operations for the district. Until recently, one source was a financial pool provided to schools nationwide by the Microsoft corporation as the result of a lawsuit served as a revenue source. However, those funds are now drying up after several years of use.

The district also receives $1.4 million per year from the capital projects levy, all of which is intended for technology-related purchases. The 10-year levy was voted into effect in 2004.

Capital funds are another source of technology funding. These monies, which are issued annually, are provided by state aid and by local property taxes. The total capital funds budget is $10 million per year. However, only $140,000 is designated for administrative technology; another $1.2 million is also allocated to specific schools, where the revenue is often used to fund technology.

Currently, the district’s primary technological priority is building a stronger, more consistent wireless connection, said Heier. This project is still in the early stages. The district is working with a consulting firm to design a network that will allow for further expansion.

Heier said that in the future, the district would like to create an environment where students can bring their own devices to school, and where schools provide students with devices, such as laptops and tablets. The district will begin building the network in either summer or fall of 2012. Heier was unable to estimate an end date for the project, but said the district hopes to establish the network within two years.

The wireless project is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $750,000, according to Heier. Funding for the network is currently being sourced from the capital project levy. At present, levy funds will not be available until after 2014-2015. However, the levy may be renewed through a community vote in 2014.

Either way, it appears that high-tech efforts will continue to be a priority for District 196 in the foreseeable future.

“It’s our world now,” said Berenz. “We don’t have the choice to not incorporate technology.”