School district reviews proposal to broaden 1:1 class technology

Board approves furniture bid for new middle school

By Amie Johansen

amie@charlescitypress.com

As the new middle school building gets closer to completion, Charles City School Board members, and teachers, begin preparing for class in a new building. One key component is furniture. At Monday evening’s School Board meeting, board members reviewed a $742,319.03 bid for furniture.

The bid amount comes from a combination of different vendors for various pieces of furniture.

“I was impressed, we’re not buying from just one vendor,” School Board Member Robin Macomber said. She pointed out that BLDD Architects used a variety of vendors in order to obtain the best quality for the most reasonable price.

Macomber also listed Mason City and Waverly as a few of the locations furniture was being purchased.

“We’re using a lot of local vendors,” she said.

Concerning the practicality of the furniture, School Board President Scott Dight noted those who will be using the furniture had the most influence in choosing which furniture to purchase.

“We’re not looking at purchasing furniture the architects recommended, we’re not looking at purchasing furniture administration recommended,” he said. “We’re ordering furniture based on staff and student input.”

Both Macomber and School Board Vice President Jason Walker serve on the buildings and ground committee. From working with BLDD and the committee, they believe BLDD is doing well stay within their budget.

“I feel comfortable approving this amount,” Macomber said. Ultimately, School Board members approved the furniture bid from multiple vendors for $742,319.03.

A discussion of new laptops for students was also part of the conversation in preparing for the shift towards a 21st century education in the new middle school building. Currently the Charles City High School is the only school in the district to enjoy a 1:1 technology ratio. A request for proposal to include fifth grade — and possibly even third and fourth grades — through senior year was reviewed.

According to Business Manager Terri O’Brien, money has been budget for this endeavor through a combination of Instructional Support Levy and Physical Plant and Equipment Levy funds.

Walker spoke of his three and half year old son who can easily navigate a tablet. Moving to 1:1 in the lower grades allows the school to stay current with students’ technological abilities, he said. The request for proposal would seek Chromebook laptops for grades five through twelve, and third through twelfth grades if funds allowed.

Early Retirement

In an effort to reduce costs in a year of budget cuts, the School Board elected to offer early retirement again this year. Of just over 15 eligible staff, two opted to accept the $20,000 one lump sum payment for early retirement. Both Nina Coulson, Washington Elementary counselor, and Judy Kielman, Washington Elementary Title 1 Teacher, taught and served in the Charles CIty School District for 27 years.

Speaking on behalf of Kielman, Washington Elementary Principal Kara Shannon noted that Kielman has worked with every grade across the district in her 27 years and enjoyed working in Charles City. School Board members and principals all expressed their gratitude of Coulson and Kielman and the years they gave to shaping the minds of Charles City.

The next School Board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 21 in the Charles City Middle School cafeteria.