Updated January 10, 2012

The city has decided to dedicate $3.3 million to upgrading our schools’ technology. The money is part of a larger capital improvement bond for the city that includes several important projects.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Monday, January 2, 2012, Mayor McGlynn said the following about the technology upgrade:

“This year, our schools will begin a major upgrade of its technological capacity. This initiative addresses all the key components recommended by the technology advisory committee and sets a foundation for an ongoing commitment to effective teaching and learning, including:

A wireless network throughout the district allowing for state of the art work stations for all teachers.

Wireless mobile computer carts allowing interactive classroom instruction and projection capabilities linked to the internet.

Libraries with additional workstations to accommodate group research along with additional computer labs to enable differentiated instruction.

Additional devices at all schools enabling universal access to all learners and administrative workstations upgraded to handle data management and reporting.

This 3.3 million dollar investment will allow our students to become familiar with the online course requirements, and facilitate their access to the expanding digital world.”

The $3.3 million investment includes district-wide wireless; new teacher/specialist computers and printers; new projectors K-12; new computers (and more of them) in our libraries and additional computer labs at each school for teachers to use; wireless device carts at each school; and one student computer in every classroom.

Next Step: Showing Support at the City Council Meeting January 10

This investment in our schools’ technology will not be possible without the approval of both the School Committee and Medford City Council.

The School Committee approved the proposal during their first meeting of the year on Monday, January 9.

The City Council will have the technology bond before them on Tuesday, January 10. Their meeting takes place at 7:00PM at City Hall. Prior to their 7PM meeting the Council will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting at 5:30PM to discuss the technology proposal and other projects.

Both meetings are open to the public. The 7PM Council meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 16.

It’s critical that parents, students, teachers, community members, and other supporters either attend one or both meetings or call/email School Committee and City Council members to let them know this project is incredibly important to our schools!