Technology is a vital instructional tool that enriches the educational experience in the classroom. It provides great opportunities for students to gain skills to help them compete in the increasingly global workforce. Currently the district is in need of additional new and innovative technology to provide greater student access.
Providing additional student access to technology through an increased device-to-student ratio is an important goal in helping students be prepared for the digital future. The district uses a variety of media in classrooms including desktops, laptops, tablets and digital classroom tools. This proposed bond would help the district provide greater access, while also giving the district the ability to replace hardware and catch up on deferred replacements, upgrade and enhance digital classrooms to acquire newer versions of proven devices or next generation devices and upgrade infrastructure and network hardware. To support the additional devices, upgrading infrastructure and replacing outdated equipment is vital.
Technology enhances the outstanding programs in the Olathe Public Schools. The district’s vision for its students is greater access to technology to improve learning now and as well as the vital skills for the future.
The Olathe Board of Education unanimously voted to move forward with a $244.8 million bond election at a special meeting on Monday, March 25. Registered voters who live within the Olathe School District boundaries will be able to vote in a June mail-in election that would help the district address its growth, safety and security, technology, and aging facility needs. This would be a no-tax-increase bond issue.
Voters will have between May 22 and June 11 to vote on a $244.8 million bond issue to address these district needs. Projects within this no-tax-increase bond proposal would touch every school in the district. Additional information including a project list, important dates and voter registration information about the bond election can be found by going to www.olatheschools.com/bond2013.
