1) Replace student laptop computers at Chatham Central, Northwood and SAGE which are several years old. (Jordan-Matthews received new laptops this school year thanks to a Golden LEAF Foundation grant.)
2) Replace the laptops at the high schools in option 1 and issue an iPad to students in grades 6-8. (Margaret B. Pollard Middle School, in Briar Chapel, will open with extensive technology resources.)
3) Place a digital device in the hands of every student in the district, likely laptops for high school students and iPads in kindergarten-eighth grade. (Jordan-Matthews would not receive new laptops in option 3 because theirs were new in 2009.)
These options also include some other aspects such as staff development, replacement of some staff computers, and infrastructure. The district would need to redirect some of its existing resources, utilize community support and resources, and leverage multiple funding streams. The financial commitment would start in the 2011-2012 budget cycle.
According to Beth McCullough, Public Information Officer for Chatham County Schools, the Board decided it will propose option 3 to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on June 21st. This option would place a digital device in the hands of all students in the district. To learn more about the school district's 1:1 Laptop Initiative, check out this video.
