WCSD To Hire Computer Staffer

The Walnut Creek School District is planning to hire a new computer technology staffer in order to help teachers infuse more web-based learning into classrooms.

The district's Governing Board voted 5-0 Tuesday night to authorize the hire, estimated at $80,000 for salary and benefits.

"I spend most of my time just troubleshooting problems," Jim Freese, district technology coordinator, told the board. With the help of another staffer, he said, he could devote more time to staff development and training of instructors to integrate web technology in the classroom.

The result, Freese said, would be more collaboration among teachers and students.

Board member Jon-Michael Johnson said a new computer staffer was a priority identified in the district Improvement Committee he served on last year.

"The need is in the district for the support of technology," said Superintendent Patricia Wool.