School Committee Votes on Changes to Tech Program

Superintendent of Schools Joe Sawyer sent an email reminding interested Shrewsbury residents that the School Committee is scheduled to vote on recommended changes to the education technology program at their meeting on Wednesday evening, Jan. 7.

These include a recommended expansion of the 1:1 device program to SHS next year and a recommended shift from the current model that is a mix of technology fees and “bring your own” to one where the district would provide the devices without a fee.

To watch the presentations and to review specific information on the recommendations, you can find the link to the video of the meeting as well as the memoranda and slide presentations here.

The School Committee welcomes your feedback regarding these recommendations, and you can email them at schoolcommittee@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us or me at jsawyer@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us.

“These recommendations are based on the positive educational impact of the technology program that we are experiencing; the evolving landscape regarding state policy; and the significant cost efficiencies we have begun to realize as we grow the program to scale, such as access to high quality free applications and content (cost efficiencies that allow the shifts we recommend to be budget neutral),” wrote Sawyer. “I am more confident than ever that we are creating more and better opportunities to prepare our students for the real world rigor of college and the workplace in the 21st century, where the ability to utilize digital tools and content is critical for success.”