Schools seeking public comment on list of suggested projects for the spending of federal stimulus dollars
Gentry School District is seeking comments from the public on the ideas suggested in a recent survey for projects and purchases for which the district might use federal stimulus dollars available to the schools under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Public comments may be submitted by e-mail to Gentry Schools superintendent Dr. Randy Barrett at drbarrett@gentrypioneers.com.
The closing date for suggestions and public comment is Thursday, June 4. The draft plan and comments will be considered by the school board at its June meeting, moved up to 6 p.m., Monday, June 8. Some of the items suggested may not meet all the requirements of the ARRA.
Items listed on the draft plan and open for comment include the following:
High School Campus —
Distance learning lab to enable students to take courses which otherwise might not be available to them; Calculator loan program and the purchase of 375 graphing calculators; Software purchases with skills-development tools for science, math and reading; Band instruments; Accelerated reader books and tests; High School and auditorium renovation.
Middle School Campus —
Wireless Internet in the building; Seven cameras and projectors for classrooms and 23 laptops; Smart boards in five classrooms; 72 laptops with storage cabinets (three rolling carts with 24 computers in each); 10 white boards to replace chalkboards.
Intermediate School Campus —
Fully equipped elementary science lab with interactive digital presentation system, laptop, interactive Smart board, projector, microscopes and supplies; Classroom technology updates, including ELMOs, projectors, computers and magnetic dry erase boards; Teaching materials for language, vocabulary, reading intervention, progress monitoring and math manipulatives; Art room needs, including camera, easels, projector, laptop and screen; Library computers and books; Remove carpet and replace with tile for better sanitation and air quality; Repair plumbing in the office and fourth grade classrooms; Install vents in every door to improve air quality; and Replace doors on the student center so they may be locked.
Primary School Campus —
Library books and accelerated reader tests; Instructional technology, including 25 ELMOs, with projectors, carts, cords and bulbs, two laptop computers, one digital camera with lens and flash, five CD players for library checkout; Music instruments and books; Art materials and supplies; and Teacher instructional materials.
District Technology —
Professional development software; Inventory software; Fiber to connect Intermediate School administration with the administration of the Middle School and High School campuses; Professional development technology, including cameras and jump drives; Phone messenger system; and Night and Saturday Classes.
Special Education —
School bus with wheelchair lifts; Read Naturally program; Staff development; NEO2 SmartOption Mobile Lab; 10 laptop computers; Swing and stand, two small trampolines; Instructional software; Handwriting Without Tears writing program; Assessment materials; Instructional software programs; Phonic Ear; and JEDI instructional program and materials.
More information on the suggestions is available on the school district’s Web site: www.gentrypioneers.com.