Wellington board looking to implement a One to One Computer Initiative for middle school
by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — The Wellington school board, upon the direction of Superintendent Mark Whitener, is looking into the possibility of implementing a One to One Initiative at the Wellington Middle School in the fall of 2017.
A One to One Initiative refers to one technology device — typically a laptop per student. Whitener said the intent is to prepare every student to be successful in the digital world.
The hope is to consider implement the Initiative at the middle school first and then the high school the following year.
The board is hoping to take action on the technology initiative at the next meeting on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
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In other news:
•The board took no action on the athletic trainer position, but will seek more input from Wellington school nurse Holly Parkey and others. Wellington Activities Director Luke Smith brought a proposal a month earlier about the need for a full or part-time trainer.
•The current contract with BCS, a company that is contracted to help the school district alleviate its utility expenses, has informed the board that the utility automatic system for the HVAC units are currently not working and they need to look into other alternatives. The board also looked at steps to ensure the consulting-type firm is providing contractually obligated services.
•The board is meeting on Oct. 26 to begin prioritizing improvements to the district facilities over the next five years.
•A Sumner County wind farm is donating money to all county schools in lieu of taxes as part of a tax-incentive agreement with the Sumner County Commissioners. Wellington is expected to receive a cash donation gift of $25,000.
•In employment changes, Chad Whaley, resigned as assistant high school baseball coach.
The current personnel hirings were approved:
– Kirsten Theurer, assistant high school softball;
-Whaley, middle school boys tennis;
-Ben Heasty, assistant high school boys basketball;
– Luke Smith, assistant high school boys basketball;
– Alyssa Jackson, 1:1 Para at Washington;
– Fred Bettencourt middle school custodian;
– Bailey Wilkey, para at Lincoln Elementary;
– Ryan Jenkins, high school assistant baseball coach;
– Sarah Amrein, speech para.
