Box Elder Middle School

Box Elder Middle School Community Council

Date: January 13, 2014

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Conference Room, Box Elder Middle School

Present: Principal: Jason Sparks Chairman: Erin Valberg Parent: Karrie Vincent Parent: Dalea Hardy Parent: Mark Murdock Teacher Karla Parsons Teacher: Marsha Martz Teresa Thompson

Absent: None

Principal Jason Sparks explained to the council that there is currently $20,000 left in the Trust Lands funds to be spent this year. He presented to the School Community Council once again the quote for an iPad lab for the school. The cost of the iPads are cheaper if bought in bundles of ten. The cost for a portable iPad lab is as follows: iPads $10,164 Charge per iPad by the district ($100/ iPad) $ 3,600 Cart: $ 2,003

Total $ 15,767

The motion was made by Erin Valberg, Council Chairman, to approve the purchase of an iPad lab. It was seconded by Karrie Vincent. It was put to a vote and passed.

There was discussion on whether to purchase calculators for the math department or let them use the iPads as calculators. It was determined that it would tie up the use of the iPads which could be used in more productive ways in other curriculums. Erin Valberg made the motion that we spend $3,918 for purchase of math calculators and the remainder of the money be used to purchase apps necessary for the iPads. Mark Murdock seconded the motion. It was put to a vote and passed.

It was discussed that there are numerous free apps available to use with iPads. Teachers are encouraged to look for free apps to use, but it they need to purchase apps particular to their curriculum, they should purchase them with department money.

Mark Murdock asked for an accounting of why there is a $100 dollar charge per device by the district. For what is the money used? He noted that we have paid $14,000 so far in our school to the district at $100 per device and would like an accounting of the money. The council agreed. Marsha Martz was asked to contact Alan Shakespear, District Technology Director, to get information.

Mr. Sparks was asked about the training on Google Docs. He said the training is scheduled for the end of January.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Principal Sparks stated that the school may be receiving as much as $70,000 next year in Trust Lands Funds and directed the council to begin researching where these funds could be spent to accommodate “the most critical need” of the school.