SISD approves purchase of iPads for high school

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Stephenville ISD approved more than $800,000 Tuesday evening for the purchase of 290 iMac computers and 1,250 iPad devices for students and faculty at Stephenville High School. || TheFlashToday.com file photo

By BRAD KEITH
TheFlashToday.com

STEPHENVILLE (April 19, 2019) — Technology at Stephenville High School and proclamations honoring the achievements of students and educators highlighted a light agenda tackled by Stephenville ISD trustees Tuesday evening.

The final phase of the initial iChampion rollout received unanimous approval from board members in their regular monthly meeting at Bond Auditorium, as they approved the purchase of 1,250 new iPad 7 units and 290 iMac computers along with support and professional learning packages for a total cost of $802,075.

Like students at Hook Elementary, Gilbert Intermediate and Henderson Junior High schools before them, Stephenville High School students will be issued iPads at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year in August. Once the final rollout is complete, SISD will be in true 1-to-1 mode with an iPad for every student in grades 3-12.

The iMac computers provide a much-needed “refresh” of base technology at the high school, says executive director of technology and digital learning Shelby Womack. While there will be fewer total computers at the high school, he says the iMacs will provide all the needed computer work stations for staff and students in addition to their iPads.

The new iPads bring both improvements and savings, according to Womack.

“The device is newer and it has a faster chip set with a 64-bit processor,” he told trustees. “It’s a better device at a cheaper price, so I feel confident in this recommendation.”

Trustees began the meeting by recognizing Brianna Hodges with a CORE value medal for excellence after she was named tcea 2019 Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year statewide. They also recognized the Hook Elementary Destination Imagination team, Stephenville High School powerlifting state qualifiers, girls basketball regional qualifiers and band solo and ensemble award winners along with the Region A champion winter guard squad.

They also honored HJH student Jaime King, one of four students from the school who qualified to take the Science ACT test through a program sponsored by Duke University. King scored a 21 on the test, qualifying her for the Academy of Summer Studies.

Trustees regularly meet on the third Monday of each month. Schools were closed Monday following Easter Sunday, so the meeting was pushed back one day. Next month’s regular meeting is slated for May 15.


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