Monday, June 23, 1997
Trustees to continue technology discussion
By LESLIE STRADER / Abilene Reporter-News
The Abilene school trustees will pick up where they left off
and continue discussing technology and the 1997-98 budget during
tonight's school board meeting.
The board heard from the third and final outside technology
consultant at its last meeting June 9, and tonight the district's
seven decision-makers will begin their own discussions of the
administration's technology proposals.
Currently, AISD spends $700,000 per year on technology. The
district has proposed two routes the board could take to improve
technology districtwide - one that would spend approximately $3
million in new revenue every year for three years and a second
plan that would spend about $2 million each of three years.
The basic difference in the two plans is the type of equipment
purchased and how often it would be replaced. Because of expense,
the administration is recommending the second plan.
The board and administration have agreed the plan needs to
be carried out without a property tax increase. Superintendent
Charles Hundley has said the district's fund balance is large
enough to take care of much of the cost.
"The ultimate goal of the administration's plan is availability
and adequate training in technology for everyone in AISD - everyone,"
Hundley said in March. "The plan allows for a gradual phase-in
to make it affordable. It will be paid for with funds already
on hand, thereby avoiding a property tax increase. It will require
a high budgetary priority on technology."
The board is expected to discuss this issue throughout the
summer, in conjunction with the budget workshops.
Last week, Dr. David Polnick, deputy superintendent for business
and finance, kicked off the '97-'98 budget season by presenting
the board a preliminary list of needs the administration is recommending
be funded for next school year.
AISD is recommending $615,409 be spent on critical needs, which
include AISD-TV equipment, a budget increase for some athletic
programs and a potential rate hike from West Texas Utilities.
The district is also asking for $691,609 to pay for one-time
purchases, most of which is to replace office equipment, like
copy machines, for individual campuses.
Tonight, Polnick will conduct a line item review of these needs
with the trustees, who can add to or take away from the recommendations
as they see fit.
Also, Alisia Orosco and Janet Ardoyno will be recognized for
receiving a national Make A Difference Day award.
The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the administration
building, 842 N. Mockingbird.
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Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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