Marlboro BOE puts 30 more ActivBoards into district

Marlboro Schools have 30 classrooms that are without interactive whiteboard, a teaching tool that has recently been catching on across the country.

The board has not had the money to finish furnishing classrooms across the district, a project that began a few years ago.

“The ActivBoard changed the culture and dynamic in terms of classroom interaction,” Superintendent David Abbott said in an Aug. 9 board meeting, as he recommended that the board use surplus funding from the state to finish the project, which will cost around $200,000.

The district will match the technology already in the classrooms with smart boards. There will be consistent installation practices and training for teachers.

Board member Joseph Waldman questioned the recommendation at the Aug. 9 meeting, saying this project may not be what the funding should be spent on. Waldman suggested the board look into tax relief or bringing back programs such as late busing for after school programs.

“During all of our budget meetings, we were very clear that we would not be using any money for technology because we didn’t have it,” Waldman said.

Board President Michael Lilonsky said bringing programs back is something the board should discuss, along with the purchase of the new technology.

“Something like the 4:15 bus is good, especially with the economy now, more parents are working more hours,” he said.

Lilonsky said that with programs like that, even if the board does not have the money to sustain, it is a service they can offer for temporary relief for residents.

However, several other board members agreed with Abbott, including Vice President Victoria Dean, who said it is not fair for some children to have the technology while others do not.

“They are all taxpaying families,” she said.

Board members Paula Fasciano  and Barbara Sue Rosenwald said the board should not reinstate programs, and instead finish the project that was started years ago.

“We don’t know if we will have the funds for this down the line,” Fasciano said.

The board will now decide whether or not to submit bids to companies for the best price, or piggyback onto another contract from a South Jersey school district through shared services.

“This is a very important and equitable purchase and installation,” Abbott said. “I do believe it is a right for all of the children to have this opportunity.”

Since the introduction of ActivBoards, the district has been training teachers and staff in the basics of the technology. According to Kim Alexander, Curriculum Supervisor, the district now has several teachers that are certified to help their peers and teach the technology themselves.

Board member Raymond Eng said, “By not having the tools, you can’t hold the teachers responsible for using it. There is no question that, in terms of curriculum, teaching is based on 21st century technology.”