A lot more computers are coming to schools in McDonald County -- 1,848, to be exact.
That the number of Chromebooks the McDonald County School Board approved during a meeting Oct. 12.
Information Technology director Robin Leonard recommended a bid from Dell, which had one option to get brand new machines every three years and another option to keep the machines at the end of three years. The board chose to go with the option to get brand new machines every three years, which costs $197,000 per year. Board member Kim Harrel pointed out the board had originally allotted $200,000 for the expense.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Stanton said, "We want to get as much technology in the hands of our students as we can."
Al Willis of Controlled Technology Solutions gave an update on the new Business Center. He said the new metal paneling is on and workers are finishing the wall board. He thinks they will be finished with the building before Christmas, he said.
Drama teacher Emily Wooten requested permission to take students on a trip to New York City. She said the group would do fundraisers to help pay for the trip. She plans to take the students to three Broadway shows and have them do two workshops with professionals. Board president Dr. Scott Goldstein said he had the opportunity to go on a similar trip several years ago. He said it gives students an opportunity to do things they might otherwise never get to do. Some McDonald County kids never get farther than Kansas City, he noted. The board approved the trip to New York.
Spanish teacher Rebecca Pullen requested permission to take the Spanish Club to San Antonio, Texas.
"I wanted kids to be able to experience the culture without having to leave the country," she said. The board approved the trip to San Antonio.
Band director Laurie Kinder-Lang requested permission to take the band to Tennessee. She plans to take them to Nashville for a competition and to Memphis where they will play their halftime show at Graceland. The board approved the trip to Tennessee.
General News on 10/19/2017