“Everything is very preliminary, as we will have to review the budget again in the fall. We’ll make adjustments once the Legislature decides the status of education funding,” he said.
“We have included $500,000 for technology at this point and, hopefully, will be able to accomplish our goals in that area. We have set aside a sizable amount for facilities improvements and equipment. We are also looking at $400,000 for curriculum issues,” Caldwell added.
In other business:
•The board approved a consultant agreement with the Central Minnesota Computer Center (CMCC) for technology support.
Tom Downing and Jim Bollig of CMCC have gone through the school and reviewed the district’s present technology program. They will help the district plan, design and implement future technology projects, such as installing the Internet in the various classrooms throughout the district and connecting the elementary building to the middle school and high school.
Pat Flanders, board member, felt they have already saved the district a lot of money which more than justifies the cost of their contract. “I see this as a positive step in the right direction,” Flanders said.
The board also approved a structured wiring system proposal submitted by Danith Clausen, technology coordinator.
The wiring proposal would connect every building, including the vocational building. “The wiring provides flexibility which the district can build upon with future technology projects,” Clausen said.
Clausen stressed this was just one phase of the project. Other phases (totaling about $43,000) would be needed before the Internet would be usable. “When planning the wiring proposal, we have taken into consideration the current uses of the classrooms and possible future uses,” she added.
•The board approved extending the leave of absence for Lorraine Skrypek until Jan. 26, 1998.