Agenda - 03-27-2000 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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potential without high quality administrators who receive the compensation they deserve for serving in increasingly high pressure positions. We also should not forget our classified staff. For the most part, these are our lowest paid staff members. They have averaged, at best, 3 percent salary increases over the decade. Most of these staff cannot afford to live in our community. Many work two or three jobs. As a major employer in this community, we have a responsibility to do our part in paying our staff wages that will allow them to provide adequately for their families. There are also some areas that need special attention this year. They include co- curricular and coaching stipends, substitute pay, Head Start teacher salaries, maintenance, and bus driver salaries. Effective Use of Technology One of the keys to the success of this district is the effective use of technology for both instructional and administrative purposes. At this time, we are a district with pockets of excellence. We need to move to an environment in which all staff members and students use technology as a natural part of their responsibilities, and the technology becomes an asset that enhances their performance. Study after study has shown that if this is to happen, staff members need a high level of support. Teachers need technology specialists to collaborate with them in the design and implementation of their units. Schools and offices need technicians who can ensure the reliability of the systems that they are using. As you know, we recently employed a Chief Technology Officer to give greater direction and support to our technology applications. Since he will not begin work until mid- March, I am hesitant to be too specific at this time about the nature of our requests, particularly at the central office. There are some requests, however, that are clear and have strong support from our staff. Schools would like for us to fund full-time technology specialists. At this time, the district contributes one -half of a position at each school and every school has converted a position to support the other half. It seems reasonable for the district to pick up the entire cost of a technology specialist; however, the Board must recognize that to do so will not necessarily advance the cause of technology. The Administration would be more comfortable with this request if it could be assured that the "freed up" funds would be used to address a high priority area in each school, such as proficiency. I believe that it is time to move ahead with full-time media assistants in our elementary schools. They are now employed for .57 of an FTE. Media specialists need to spend more time supporting teachers and students in accessing and processing information. In order to assume this role, we are strongly encouraging elementary schools to schedule students and classes on a flexible basis. They cannot do all of this and run the media center at the same time without a full -time media assistant. A comprehensive report that includes this recommendation is included in this budget section. We also must budget for a Director of Instructional Technology and Media Services since this position was converted to the CTO position. There are other needs in this area for such positions as a webmaster for the district and additional technical support positions. Boosting Minority Student Achievement This School Board and Administration are fully committed to enhancing the achievement levels of minority students. We have made progress in recent years; however, we are not where we need to be. The high priority initiatives already described will be of great benefit to our minority students. There are some resources, however, that must be