Education - School budget proposals continue

Information Technology Specialist David L’Hommedieu presented his proposed budget for technology within Saratoga Springs City School District to the Board of Education Tuesday evening. He began his presentation by outlining his ongoing goals – to enhance education for all students, provide network infrastructure, to improve assets and maximize utilization of the technology.

L’Hommedieu proposed $250,000 in improvements and new technology, including $95,000 for 25 whiteboards, the replacement of 16 servers and $30,000 for new laptops. The district currently has 1,534 desktop computers which are replaced cyclically over the course of five years. Consistent support and maintenance for audio/visual technology will cost approximately $6,000.

While L’Hommedieu was very precise with his calculations and new proposals, Board of Education President Frank Palumbo wondered if tax dollars will be spent in the right places.

“Standardized test results show that our students are continuing to do well. Does technology help different varieties of reading skills? Does it engage the students? We hope so,” he said.

“Technology changes the environment of the classroom. Most notably whiteboards have had tremendous success. Some kids think grammar is fun now.”

A whiteboard is a large interactive screen that connects to a computer and a projector. It can be controlled by touching the projection or by the computer.

“The public needs to know that there is a tangible side to the spending. We aren’t just going out and getting new stuff. It all has a purpose,” Palumbo said.

Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Tom Mele also presented an idea to add a flex teaching position that could fill an instructional position between grades kindergarten through 12. He also proposed to remove two special education teachers within the district and add two dually certified reading and special education teachers. Mele said current special education teachers would not lose their jobs and these openings would come when teachers retire or resign.