Hume R-8 moves to provide high schoolers with laptops

Hume R-8 school district is taking the first steps towards a one-to-one allocation of computers to high school students.

Principal Scott Morrison said he is evaluating two brands of Chromebook computers and plans to buy 30-32 of them.

Chromebooks operate on Google web-based programs.

Morrison has purchased one Lenova brand Chromebook to evaluate but is also considering a Chromebook from Hewlett-Packard.

“Possibly going one-to-one in the next few years,” Morrison said. “A number of schools are doing that.”

Each high school student would be issued a Chromebook that could potentially replace text books, printed handouts and tests.

Morrison said Google’s Classroom program is “a game changer” and explained other schools that issue computers 1:1 such as Northeast Vernon County are completely paperless.

“I am not a proponent of that, I think you still need physical writing skills …” Morrison said.

Morrison said teachers would need to be trained in Google classroom before such a transition could take place.

• The district will move ahead with the purchase of 14 storm shelters from Safe Sheds of Salem, Ill., at a cost of $79,989. The bid from Safe Sheds was the only one received by the June 17 deadline.

The district has been investigating the possibility of building or purchasing storm shelters for several months.

Money to fund this project will come from a certificate of deposit that has matured.

The Safe Sheds should be installed by the middle of this next school year.

• Morrison said, “the roof is in really good shape for being 25-26 years old.”

Morrison continued explaining there are a couple of leaks that need to be fixed.

Planned repairs include replacement of loose screws with screws one size larger and the application of sealant to all of the roof seams. Vinyl peaks will also be replaced.

Board member Bryce Connor said the repair should extend the life of the roof for another 15-20 years.

No bids for the repairs had been received by the time of the meeting.

• Art will not be offered this coming school year due to lack of a teacher.

Morrison said hiring a substitute not trained in art would not beneficial to the students.

• Morrison reported the school’s air conditioner units will be cleaned in August by Kershners.

• The gym floor has been refinished and is curing.

• The board unanimously approved policy No. 0342 regarding nepotism, conflict of interest, and financial disclosure.

• The board voted unanimously not to change travel reimbursement rates for the coming school year. Staff will be reimbursed at a rate of 40 cents per mile when using their personal vehicle to travel for school, and will receive $8 for breakfasts, $10 for lunches and $12 for suppers while traveling on school business.

• The board unanimously approved the local compliance agreement.

• The district’s annual tax hearing will take place Aug. 9, 2017, at 7:45 p.m. at the school. The monthly board meeting will follow.