The recent gift of $1 Million by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to Montgomery County Schools will be used to purchase technology for the system. After weeks of discussion of the best way to use the generous donation, MPS Superintendent Barbara W. Thompson will use the funds to put Smart Boards in 361 classrooms.
"Smart Boards are a fantastic teaching tool," said Superintendent Thompson. "They allow students and teachers to interact and to use video, graphics, internet sources, and many visual aids to help students understand and explore concepts."
Coupled with funds already set aside for these educational tools, the Tribe's gift will allow the system to purchase enough Smart Boards for every classroom that would benefit from one throughout the district's 53 schools.
"We looked at several different types of technology including digital tools like iPads and electronic books," said Superintendent Thompson. "There are still issues with e-textbooks and they, and the e-readers are very expensive. That is something we hope to move toward as finances allow, but we believe these Smart Boards are the tools our teachers need."
Assistant Superintendent of Operations Donald Dotson is also grateful for the donation.
"Each unit cost just over $2,700," said Mr. Dotson. "While we have this technology in some classrooms, we couldn't afford it in every school until now."
Many of the over 1,600 Smart Boards in the system were purchased with federal funds. However, some schools do not qualify for this money. Without the Tribe's generous contribution, those schools would have been unable to afford this important teaching tool.
"We are so grateful for the kind gift and for the Tribe's continuing support of our schools and education in Alabama," added Superintendent Thompson. "They are an important partner in our work to provide our students with the best possible education."
Information Source: MPS
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WSFA, a Raycom Media Station.
