2013-2016 Technology Plan - Osceola County School District

The School District of Osceola County, FL
Terry Andrews, Superintendent
Press Release (English and Spanish)
June 6, 2012 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dana Schafer, Director of Community Relations - Osceola School District --
407-870-4007 or 407-908-8811 (cell)
Elementary Computer Infusion Plan to Add Thousands of Computers
in Osceola Classrooms
The Osceola County School Board has approved an aggressive “technology infusion
plan” for desktop computers at Title I elementary schools in the district. Following the
April 25 workshop on technology, Superintendent Terry Andrews and staff have been
working on a plan to exceed 21st Century standards and supplement technology at
elementary schools and bring about a more timely solution to the concerns about the
extended online testing requirements and the statutory mandate of increased digital
delivery of content by 2015. At the workshop, the Board was given the current status of
elementary schools at approximately 42% of the 2015 goal. Through a partnership
between the Technology Department, Special Programs, Professional Development,
and School Support Services Departments, a plan was developed which will bring that
level to near 100% by fall of 2012.
Utilizing Title I Federal roll-forward dollars totaling $2.6 million, the district will purchase
approximately 3,700 new computers which will be installed in Title I elementary schools
this summer and early in the fall. In addition to replacing outdated technology, it will
also increase the number of computers in each classroom. To make the dollars spread
as far as possible, the district will be employing local high school and college students
over the summer to assist in the installation of the new machines and removal of the old
ones. The district currently pays a vendor for installation, but by completing the task inhouse
with high school and college assistants, the district will save over 80% on the
installation costs. This will allow more dollars to be spent on the purchase of
technology, help local young people, and put dollars back into Osceola County.
Older machines that will still support software and operating system specifications may
be moved to middle and high schools to help address the need for additional computers
for testing.
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2013 Educational Technology Plan 5/19 School District of Osceola County Florida