Q: How can the school system afford technology with all of the budget cuts? How is technology being used in the classrooms in the school system?
A: The state budget for public schools has targeted technology funds as one of the major areas of cuts for the last several years. In fact, last yearís budget for technology and the purposed budget for 2011-2012 completely eliminates funding for technology. The school system has not received any increases in funding from the county budget that could be used for technology during the last several years. Any increases in county funding have been used to cover mandatory state increases, such as retirement match and insurance coverage on locally paid employees.
Therefore, the school system had to search for other sources of revenues in order to better prepare students for the 21st Century. The Rowan-Salisbury School System has been very fortunate to receive funding from the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation over many years to support technology efforts across the school system. Each of the schools now has at least one ě21st Century Model Classroom,î fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology tools, funded by this partnership. Teachers in these classrooms participate in intensive staff development on how to integrate the technology into their instruction, as well as assist and model for other teachers in their school. Apple recently recognized the program on a national level as an Apple Exemplary Program. The model classrooms would have never happened without the Robertson Foundationís support and interest.
Funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation allowed the school system to provide iPod touches to all the students at North Rowan High School, as well as other technology tools. North Rowan High was the first school to have a wireless Internet equipped activity bus so students could continue their studies to and from athletic events and field trips.
Robertson Foundation funds and several other grants have enabled the system to extend the iPod touch project to seventh- and eighth-graders at North Rowan Middle School, sixth- and seventh-graders at Knox Middle School, and fourth- and fifth-graders at Overton Elementary School.
These schools are already seeing results from the utilization of the tools in test scores, attendance, and student engagement in the classroom. Many other schools are expanding their technology tools through PTA funds and capital matching funds.
Federal grants have been written and received that allowed the school system to expand technology to physical education and science. Elementary and middle schools are participating the HOPSports Program that gives students opportunities to interact with technology to improve physical skills. HOPSports training systems use digital technology and celebrity trainers to immerse children in an interactive educational experience that focuses on a healthy and active lifestyle. Customized for todayís new media-savvy and often sedentary kids, the HOPSports system is visually interactive yet intensive, focusing on the importance of skills-based activity while providing valuable information on nutrition, anti-smoking and other topics. Exciting science initiatives are underway throughout the school system and at Horizons Unlimited. Emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education is expanding through several science grants and partnerships.
Administrative staff has been included in training on the newest available technology tools and have found ways to be more effective and efficient. Many of the system meetings are now conducted virtually so travel time and expense has diminished. Administrators are using improved tools for observations in the classroom, providing feedback to staff members, and better tracking and analyzing student data.
Technology Matters:
Whatís Right With Public Schools
On May 21, the Rowan-Salisbury School System will sponsor the first ever technology extravaganza ó ěTechnology Matters: Whatís Right With Public Schoolsî at North Rowan High School from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Every school in the school system and many departments will showcase initiatives and projects utilizing technology tools. Students from all over the school system will amaze everyone who attends with their knowledge and skills.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ride in one of the wireless buses and see how learning has been extended beyond the classroom.
This is a drop-in event and I challenge everyone in our community to come by and see that there is outstanding teaching and learning taking place in our public schools.

Dr. Judy Grissom is superintendent of the Rowan-Salisbury School System.