Board approves computer replacement purchase
Hamilton School Board members approved purchasing $423,488 worth of computers including 458 HP desktops, 15 Macintosh desktops and 15 HP laptops.
The district has a 5-year replacement cycle for its computers. As part of that cycle, it was scheduled to replace 236 computers that were purchased from MPC, which subsequently filed for bankruptcy and will no longer honor warranty work or supply parts for its machines. In addition to computers on the regular replacement cycle, the district will also purchase 222 HP desktops in July using 2009-10 technology budget funds so that all MPC computers are replaced, easing the burden of maintaining unsupported computers.
PDS is the vendor that will supply 458 HP dc7900 model computers at a cost of $841 per machine. Seven Macintoshes will be purchased for $1,699 per unit and eight will cost $1,534 each. The 15 HP notebooks will cost $943 each.
Year-end projects OK’d
Year-end buildings and grounds projects were approved including replacement of the high school track, purchase of 22 interactive whiteboards, various roof repair and replacement projects, Willow Springs building improvements, and lighting and window upgrades to improve energy efficiency.
EME investment paying off for students
The investment the district has made into the Early Mathematics Empowerment (EME) Program has had a positive impact on students. Educational Services and Human Resources Director John Roubik reported on the program’s fourth year of operation. Initially started with less than a half-time teacher at one school, the program now has four staff members – one who has a 70 percent contract, two who have 90 percent positions and one who is full-time.
EME targets first- and second-graders throughout the year and kindergartners during the second semester. The program provides students with additional mathematics instruction, and EME teachers work with classroom teachers to provide additional instructional strategies for all students. They also provide professional development to other teachers.
“The statistics show the impact these services are making for our kids,” Roubik said.
In the 2007-08 school year, 23 percent of district first-graders and 14 percent of second-graders were served. Some 86 percent of those students made significant gains during the time they received EME services.
Cheerleaders to be on ESPN2
Hamilton High School cheerleaders and their coach were recognized for placing sixth at national competition in Orlando. Coach Karen Welch introduced members of the team who included Amanda Bernarde, Shannon Burke, Hana Cochran, Ashley Holicek, Katy Jacobi, Nicole Jurasovich, Jessica Landergott, Becca Mulkey, Alexandra Riska, Chelsey Sprtel, Becky Torweihe, Heidi Umhoefer, Katelyn Youngblood. Those who were not at the meeting were Danielle Barbian, Brooke Patterson and Jessica Rupnow. The squad’s performance at the national competition will be televised on ESPN2 March 8 between 11 a.m. and noon.
Personnel news
In personnel business, the School Board:
- Accepted the retirement request of Maple Avenue paraprofessional Louise Pokorny; and
- Appointed Murrene Payton and Daniel Tackes as summer school assistant coordinators.