USD 489 technology committee to present options at BOE meeting

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 Technology Committee and Technology Director Brian Drennon will present options regarding the district’s technology plan per last week’s request from USD 489 board members, who heard the committee’s recommendation to provide a device for every student in the district.

Drennon told board members last week, after months of research, the committee is recommending Apple iPads for grades K-8, and Windows devices for grades 9-12. He said the four-year plan will stay within the current $400,000 annual technology budget.

Superintendent Dean Katt said he was comfortable with the $400,000 budget, but board members asked the committee to come back with “scaled-down” options before Drennon begins the bidding process this spring.

The board will also vote on installing LED lights in Gym A and Gym B as recommended by Rusty Lindsay, director of buildings and grounds, to increase efficiency and save the district money in electrical bills.

In addition, Lincoln Elementary school psychologist Monica Dreiling and special education teacher Carol Murray, along with FHSU Interim Dean of Education and Technology Paul Adams, will demonstrate how Buddy the Humanoid Robot can foster educational opportunities for children with special needs.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Rockwell Administration Building, 323 W. 12th. A full agenda can be found HERE.