Advances in technology was the main focus of the Humboldt USD 258 Board of Education at their meeting Monday night.
Mary Durant, teacher, though not present, was recognized for being a finalist in Microsoft’s Partners in Learning US Forum, a national forum focusing on showcasing and celebrating educators and their work in the classroom.
Durant and her co-presenter Tracy Rampy are the only ones representing Kansas in the forum.
“This is a positive accomplishment for our district,” superintendent K.B. Criss said. “I am very proud of those two.”
Additionally, Criss was recognized by board member Curt Mueller for his achievement in receiving the award of Technology Rich Class Administrator of the Year.
While on the topic of technology, the board briefly discussed the iPad initiative, which would give students and teacher’s iPads to use in the classroom and at home.
For the initiative to take place, the school would have to be equipped with wireless connection. Criss says that would not be the difficult part but the key would be to “beef up the infrastructure.”
The initiative is still in the planning process. 60 iPads have already been purchased for some of the rooms, and the timeline on the project, at best, is three to four years, according to Criss.
Elementary and middle school principle Kay Bolt, discussed a title certified contract position opening, which was approved by the board.
The board also discussed and approved the 2012–2013 student handbook. One of the changes implemented is students must lock their phones in their lockers.
“Students can have their phones locked in their locker,” Bolt said. “There is no reason the phones to be on their person. Headphones and iPods are not allowed though; it makes it too easy to cheat.”
The new handbook is an improvement and is much “cleaner and better,” Criss said.
The board also approved the cancellation of the June 25 board meeting, so its next meeting will not take place until July 16.
