The Board of Education met on Monday, Mar. 26 to discuss a number of topics from the Best of the Best Awards to what kind of technology is best to use in schools.

The BOE was tasked with deciding what technology to purchase for the upcoming school year at Hays Middle School. The top two options were an iPad and a Google Chromebook.

There was much debate over whether or not students need a touchscreen, because the Chromebook option they were looking at does not have one.

“We can absolutely get by without touchscreens,” board member Lance Bickle said. “90 percent of the other school districts get by without them. I don’t see why we can’t.”

They settled it with a vote and it went 4-3 in favor of the iPads. The opposing board members were Bickle, Greg Schartz and board president Mandy Fox.

At this meeting the board discussed adding a board member to the technology committee in the future and also rather than disbanding the committee to have them start research for when it’s time for other schools in the district to get new technology.

“I appreciate the effort and the work the committee puts in,” board member Paul Adams said. “I think the fact is you are closer to the work the students do, you’re there in the classroom with them and I support you.”

21abrooks@usd489.com