Schools could get $100,000 technology grant
By: Lynne Hale
Posted: Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:09 pm
The Virginia Public School Authority Resolution 09-02 was a topic during the April 21 Craig County School Board meeting. The VPSA offers a grant of $102,000 that the Craig County School System would be required to match with only $20,000 for technology improvements. The funding for this program is targeted to achieve the following four goals:
• Provide student access to computers at a ratio of one computer for every five students;
• Create internet-ready local area network capability in every school;
• Assure adequate high-speed, high-bandwidth capability of instructional, remedial and testing needs;
• Establish a statewide Standards of Learning test delivery system.
School officials reported some funding remains from the previous budget that must be spent on specific projects. The school system uses an enormous amount of paper and is in need of copier paper. One school board member suggested that paper to be purchased should be made with recycled paper.
Other items mentioned were guttering on the bus garage, which school officials said is badly in need of repair, as is the parking lot nearest the high school auditorium. Lawnmowers for the school grounds, last purchased in 1999, need replacing, as well.
Paul Paradzinski, chair of the Workforce Development Division Youth Program, presented a proposal from Goodwill Industries to include Craig in a summer work experience program for youth. Ten young people who meet criteria for inclusion will be selected for the program on a first-come, first-served basis. The youths involved will be between 14 and 24 years old, both in and out of school. Basically, after assessment and training the workers will be placed in private businesses with workplace mentors acting as supervisors. There is incentive pay involved for a four-day work week.
Paradzinski also outlined other proposals for five year-round pre-apprenticeship positions. This would be for high school graduates up to the age of 24 who meet eligibility criteria. One other idea is to present a “reality store” to high school students, similar to career day. The idea is to get a basic idea of what students hope to be doing at age 28, and how many children the student plans to have. Under the project, students would be assigned a salary commensurate with the positions they expect to have, and from, living expenses deducted.
The general idea is to present to students the idea that getting to work after obtaining a good education is necessary to earning a decent living. A “magic” store is added to the idea. In that, life’s surprises are added to regular living expenses.
In other items at the school board meeting, Superintendent Ron Gordon presented certificates of recognition to faculty members and staff who worked to get the new student accounting system in operation. Power School replaces the old system and is expected to be much better for keeping track of students and their grades, he said. The superintendent recognized Stacey Dudding, Pamela Boyer, Geoff Boyer, Donna DePlazes, Chris Peverall, Marsha Barrow, Dianne Rice, Beth Davis and Angela Gardner.
The next meeting of the school board will take place on Tuesday, May 5.
Original Post