School board approves teacher workstations, playground equipment and grant application

The Mahomet-Seymour School Board approved a three year lease agreement for 200 teacher workstations Monday.

Superintendent Rick Johnston said the workstation fleet, which is currently five to seven years old, needs to be replaced so teachers can stay up to date with the technology demands in the classroom. With the district-wide technology upgrades this summer, laptops will allow teachers the mobility needed to interact across campuses.

The lease to own option also gives the district flexibility to adjust the 200 workstations as technology changes over the years.

The Mahomet-Seymour Foundation agreed to match the district’s $24,000 commitment dollar-for-dollar over the next three years.

With statewide financial difficulties, technology upgrades were put on the back-burner for many years.

While Board President Terry Greene voted for the lease program, he voiced concerns with the amount of money spent for the workstations based on the programs and staff positions the board voted to cut three years ago.

“Times are tough, and I’m not sure they will get a lot better,” Greene said. “As we move forward it is incumbent on all of us to count our pennies very carefully. I’m not anti-technology or for holding teachers back by not giving them the tools they need to meet the needs of our kids, but I’m really struggling with wants versus needs.”

Greene said he’s been haunted by the tough decisions made three years ago.

Board member Valerie Woodruff said while textbooks may last forever, the wheel of technology is constantly changing. The thing that makes her feel good about the leasing situation is that Chief School Business Official Trent Nuxoll feels it fits into the long range financial model.

Vice President Vicki Niswander and Secretary Cheryl Melchi agreed that students are much more tech savvy today, and that technology motivates and engages children in the learning process.

Johnston said while he was not with the District as they made tough decisions, he investigated the meetings.

During the first year Johnston has been with the District, they have made significant spending cuts. He said as the District takes the next steps to upgrade both technology and programs, it is important things are done differently to reflect the long range plan.

“Being strategic in what we’re doing, and getting the biggest bang for our buck is exactly what we are doing here,” Johnston said.

The board also approved the School Maintenance Project Grant Application which will supply money for the MSJHS bleachers. The bleachers were repaired six years ago, but have to be supported with 2x4s and are not safe for students.

In line with the $75,000 allotment for playground equipment, the board approved the base bid for the Early Childhood Center. Middletown Principal Carol Shallenberger said the design of the outdoor play area is an extension of the indoor learning environment. When the expansive space is complete, it will include two play structures, a bike path, grass and garden area, additional learning space and a storage area.