Biology students at Iola High School beginning next fall will use iPad tablets instead of traditional textbooks.
Gail Dunbar, director of curriculum, told board members Monday night that 25 iPads, costing $350 each for a total of $8,750, were purchased with money from a federal Rural Small Schools Grant. Ten hardback texts also were purchased, for students to use outside of the classroom.
“We’re looking at two (computer) programs for the class,” Dunbar added.
In addition to being able to access whichever program is selected on the iPad tablets in class, students will have access at home or in the school’s library to the online program by computer.
David Grover, Iola High principal, said 74 freshmen and sophomores were enrolled in biology for the fall semester. Each will have an access code.
Some laboratory exercises will be higher tech through virtual programs. Hands-on lab work also will be a part of the course.
The use of the iPads and online programming should create a more dynamic and flexible learning environment and also serve as a trial run for use of similar technology for other courses, said Dr. Craig Neuenswander, superintendent of schools.
BOARD members accepted a bid from Diamond Everley Roofing Contractors, Lawrence, of $86,070 to replace the Jefferson Elementary School roof.
Scott Stanley, director of operations, said the 7,000-square-foot roof would be stripped down to its concrete deck.
Stanley said work was expected to start in June and take about three weeks to complete, which should mean completion before summer school classes start at the school in July.
Money for the project was budgeted in the local option budget fund, which provides money for district general operations.
Benchmark Roofing Consultants, Topeka, will oversee the project for $4,600.
Part of the board’s April 11 meeting will be devoted to a review of needs of district facilities to be handled this summer.
They also will take a close look at anticipated revenue.
So far, the district faces about $600,000 in cuts from the state for the remainder of this year and into the next, which begins July 1.
