OZARK—As with the evolution from printed books to the Kindle and other electronic book readers, Ozark City Schools is moving toward paperless school board meetings and eventually classrooms that will require more technology and fewer textbooks.
Ozark City Schools Superintendent Mike Lenhart announced Tuesday the purchase of five Lenovo ThinkPads for each of the district’s school board members in order to minimize the board’s printed documents and allow the board members easier access to emails and other school communications.
The Android tablets – costing around $450 – were purchased through general fund monies and are a precursor to the technology that could exist in every classroom in the new Carroll High School, according to district official Jacqueline Kelley.
Lenhart said the board’s tablets are both a sign of appreciation to the board – which serves without pay – as well as a technological advancement toward building a district and classroom model for the entire state.
“We have a goal of providing all students with a laptop computer so they can take it home and do homework, turn it back in, take tests, and collaborate with friends. We also hope to replace all textbooks with online books. For the board, the tablet will allow us to communicate at any time,” he said.
Kelley said funds for a larger technology project for the high school will come from the $22,074,000 Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) the district received to build the new high school.
Kelley said Senate Bill 199 in the state Legislature could also provide funding for electronic text and e-readers for classrooms, if passed.
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