Mr. Rickey Parker, Administrative Assistant for Information Technology, gave an update on the Virginia Tech Technology Initiative. This initiative is being offered to provide laptops to teachers. The first 20 of the 37 laptops would be provided to the Technology Trainers. The next 17 would be provided to the Lead Teachers with elementary teachers being the first priority. Mr. Donald R. Johnson, Administrative Assistant for Business, gave an update on the middle school capital improvements program.
Negotiations are in progress with the first ranked architectural and engineering firm.
The contract will include one original design for one middle school and repeat designs for the other middle schools and an on-site construction manager. A part-time owner s representative will be hired to represent the School Board and the Board of Supervisors on the job sites. Mr. James E. McDaniel, Administrative Assistant for Instruction, discussed the Governor s Academic Challenge Grant. Additional programs and activities are being planned to assist students in SOL areas in order to improve scores. The Chairman asked if any Board members had any specific goals for the entire Board.