NJ-SP Superintendent Provides School Board With Technology Planning Grant Timeline

Posted on April 24, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

North Judson-San Pierre Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin ran the school board through a timeline related to the school’s technology planning grant when members met last week.

Superintendent Zupin began with what has done so far, starting back in November of last year, when the $30,000 IDOE grant was awarded. She said over the last few months, administrators and members of the tech committee have been meeting to discuss how to best implement 1:1 at NJ-SP.

After investigating various options for devices, school officials decided last month to go with iPads. Dr. Zupin said they came to that decision because iPads are half the cost of MacBooks, testing can be conducted with the devices and keyboard attachments are available.

In addition to selecting the kind of devices that will be utilized, officials have been working with Apple reps on the associated financing.

She explained, “We can set up leases and those leases are usually 3-4 years which are perfect time frames because usually the devices last 4-5 years so we’re setting the stage for a good rotation there.

Zupin added that paying for some devices with cash is also an option. She said an Apple lease will likely come before board members at their May meeting.

 Looking ahead, Dr. Zupin said the tech team will be engaging in various training opportunities this summer. Members will have a chance to ask questions and see how 1:1 with iPads works firsthand when they visit the Plymouth School Corporation in May.

In June they’ll attend an Apple Technology Leadership program and they’ll have a chance to go to some eLearning workshops in June and July.

The goal is to have certain grade levels at the elementary school and departments at the junior/senior high school pilot the 1:1 initiative next school year. Devices will remain in the school for the time being but a transition to a take home policy is expected.

Ultimately, school officials are hoping that NJ-SP can be entirely 1:1 by the 2020/2021 school year. Dr. Zupin emphasized that consistent professional development is of the utmost importance so they’ll continue to offer training and support for years to come.