Technology Equipment for Classrooms
This past year Minot Public Schools received $375,000 through a class action lawsuit settlement with Microsoft. Of this money, $300,000 was made available to schools for purchase of specific technologies, other than computers, that would enhance classroom teaching. The primary focus was on video projectors and SMART Boards. The rest of the money was used for district network and technology.
The equipment was distributed throughout the district, trying to be as equitable as possible to various buildings, through an informal grant opportunity. This allowed us to help decide where the equipment would be best utilized.
After the grant deadline tentative counts of requested equipment were gathered, and bids for the equpiment were accepted from vendors. Because of the volume specified in the bids (200 or more video projectors), we were able to get very good pricing, which allowed the purchasing of even more equipment.
Classroom Enhancement Grants have been awarded for close to 200 Epson 82c Video Projectors, close to 100 SMART Boards, 21 Qwizdom Classroom Response Systems, 30 Document Cameras, and 15 Phonic Ear Sound Systems. Over 200 classrooms will benefit from one or more of these items.
This equipment will be ordered soon, as the funds need to be spent before June 30. However, installation of the equipment will be done over the course of the next school year.
Craig Nansen
District Technology Coordinator