Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

School officials plan to spend $86,000 on tech

By William Kincaid
FORT RECOVERY - School officials continue their commitment to technology, as $100,000 had been allocated for the technology program next school year.
But technology coordinator John Jutte says he doesn't need that much; he plans for $86,566 in expenditures.
"I don't want to spend it because I have it. I want to spend it because I need it," Jutte told school board members meeting Tuesday night.
The difference will be put back in the general fund.
"Since our computers are well maintained, we can work through these tough economic times and still provide top of the line technology," Jutte said.
Next school year, a new 10-year rotation plan will begin, with the district purchasing computer peripherals - keyboards, mice, etc. - once every 10 years. Also, older computer monitors will be phased out with LCD monitors.
Jutte pointed out that old computers are kept for spare parts and quick replacements. They also are used during the training of tech crew students.
Jutte said the school has a new Web domain for its online site. The new site - which will not be up for a few months - will have a more professional appearance while allowing staff to continue their current activities, such as maintaining teacher pages.
When asked by board member Dave Hull, Jutte said the district has 650 computers.
"We're working toward being more mobile for our technology," Jutte said, adding that the school continues to introduce wireless technology and laptops.
This year, $100,000 was spent on the technology budget. In 2007, the total technology expenditures were $86,869, while in 2006, the total costs were $109,225.
In other news, Jack Staugler was elected president, while Steve Wendel was elected vice president.
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