Tech Bond

Ann Arbor Public Schools Technology Bond: May 8, 2012 (Tech Bond FAQs here)

STORY: Tech Bond approved by voters

Voters resoundingly approved the 2012 Tech Bond Tuesday night.  Election results showed 70.35 percent voting for the bond and 29.65 percent voting against.

Ann Arbor Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Patricia Green was pleased with the results. “You take a world-class curriculum, with gifted and inspiring teachers, and use technology in their hands as a tool, and the combination of all that can create that ‘aha’ moment for a child,” she said. ”What we have is a world-class curriculum, and now we will have much better opportunity to make it come to full life for our kids.” Read more

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ENDORSEMENT: Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce endorses Technology Bond

“The Chamber seeks to be the premier advocate for business and commerce and as such, believes there is an important business case to be made in support of this millage.” Read the endorsement

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ENDORSEMENT: Local tech experts endorse Technology Bond

“We found that the AAPS plan was very practical in its formulation with no undue extravagance.” Read the endorsement

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STORY: Before technology renovations, old schools need upgrades

Wires that supply internet access are over a sink in a custodian’s closet at Carpenter Elementary. While not an ideal space to put such equipment, it was the only space available, says Randy Trent, executive director of physical properties for AAPS. Tech Bond plans show this equipment will be moved to another space with proper ventilation.

Burns Park Elementary looks like an idyllic old fashioned school from the early 20th century. The brick building boasts huge paned windows, crown moldings and alcoves. Surrounding oak trees only add to the charm.

But this pretty little picture turns nightmarish for a technology expert who wants to update the school to 21st century technology. Why is that? Burns Park, like most schools in the district, is more than 50 years old. Schools that old need renovations before they can support any upgrades.

What kinds of renovations do they need? Mechanical, electrical and environmental renovations, says Randy Trent, executive director of physical properties for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. Continue reading

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STORY: Lego-mation Romeo and Juliet just as dramatic as the original

If you peeked into Don Packard’s freshman English class a couple of weeks ago, you would have seen a room abuzz with students playing with Legos.

If you looked closer, you would have noticed many of them holding iPads, taking pictures, or closely studying their paperback copies of Romeo and Juliet.

The Pioneer class was tasked with a Lego-mation version of Romeo and Juliet’s drama. The project engrossed students in the traditional Shakespeare text and in non-traditional technologies. Continue reading

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STORY: Spanish students use web, tech resources to work on speaking skills

In an eighth grade Spanish class at Tappan Middle School earlier this month, Jennifer Shaw’s students learned how to become weather forecasters.

Well, that’s what sounded like. Using the website ed.voicethread.com, Shaw’s students practiced their Spanish speaking skills while using a whole slew of technology resources. Continue reading

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STORY: Why is Skyline included in the Tech Bond?

These eMacs in a Skyline computer lab are older than the school itself.

Skyline High School still looks as shiny and new as the day it opened four years ago. Outside, modern steel beams crisscross over airy windows that stretch up its four floors. Inside, tall ceilings and natural light show off a pristine interior unblemished by time.

So why would Skyline be allocated any dollars from the Technology Bond if it passes?

The answer is simple, says John VanRiper, director of information technology for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. As the students transitioned into the new high school, so did old equipment from other schools.

“So the technology itself is, with few exceptions, as old as what we have in the rest of the district,” he says. Read full story

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INFOGRAPHIC: The Tech Bond by the numbers

On May 8, the Ann Arbor Public Schools is asking voters to approve a millage of more than $45 million for technology resources. If the Tech Bond is approved, the money wouldn’t be spent all at once. Instead, the detailed illustration below shows how the money would be used during a 10-year period. See the numbers

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STORY: Elementary teacher upgrades writing lessons

Edmodo, which looks similar to Facebook, is an online learning community.

When you think about using technology in the classroom, you might think of students tinkering with science, math or engineering projects. But King Elementary fifth grade teacher Karen Haddas is using Mac programs and social media to upgrade traditional reading and writing curriculum. Read more

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SURVEY: AAPS Educators talk technology

An anonymous survey was conducted in January 2012 to learn what teachers, media specialists and principals think of the current technology available in the district. See the results

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STORY: All district computers now out of warranty

As of the end of February, all AAPS computers are out of warranty. This means the district is facing rising repair costs and shrinking inventory, said John VanRiper, director of information technology. Read more

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KICKOFF: District launches Tech Bond informational campaign

Superintendent Dr. Patricia Green shares with the audience the district’s educational goals and how they relate to the 2012 Technology Bond.

More than 75 staff, administrators, PTO members and union representatives attended an informational meeting at Huron High School on Feb. 29. The event kicked off the informational campaign for the 2012 Technology Bond. Read more

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STORY: District hopes to expand wireless access

Wireless internet may appear to magically produce websites and media through thin air, but like any magic trick, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. AAPS wants to improve its wireless access in schools, but it faces plenty of behind-the-scenes work first. Read more

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STORY: Old computers lead to workarounds, wait time during reading intervention

The old eMac computers don’t have the hardware to support the software updates for READ 180, a reading intervention program used in grades 3-12.

READ 180 is a reading intervention program that is used throughout the AAPS district in grades 3-12. But the highly effective program is being used on ineffective computers, causing headaches for teachers, students and technology staff alike. Read more

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Editor’s Note: On May 8 voters in the Ann Arbor Public Schools will be asked to consider a bond issue to replace aging district technology and provide technology to support 21st century learning. The program addresses equipment and infrastructure components for the next 10 years by financing the equipment through three separate series of bonds. 

AAPS is pursuing this tech bond to support the District’s strategic plan that calls for a culture of creativity, innovation, and communication. Aging technology equipment and infrastructure to support learning needs to be replaced. The tech bond will help keep general fund dollars in the classroom by using bond proceeds for technology equipment and related infrastructure. The tech bond creates 21st century learning environments that meet the needs of our students.

AAPS News will feature facts and information on the 2012 Technology Tech Bond leading up to vote on May 8. Please check back weekly for updates and learn more about the bond on the AAPS District website.