Northville School District to Hold Coffees to Discuss Tech Bond

- From a Northville Public Schools press release

Northville Public Schools families and community members can learn more about the Technology Bond Proposal that will go before voters in the November 6, 2012 election, and get answers to their questions, at a series of community coffees being hosted by the school district throughout October.

The Technology Bond Community Coffees/Technology Demonstrations are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations:

• Oct. 10, 6:30-7 p.m., (PTA meeting follows), Winchester Elementary School
• Oct. 17, 7-8 p.m., Northville High School
• Oct. 23, 9-10:30 a.m., Stone House Coffee & Tea
• October 24, 9-10:30 a.m., Next Chapter Bookstore & Bistro
• Oct. 25, 9-10:30 a.m., Tuscan Café
• Oct. 25, 7-8 p.m., Hillside Middle School

The school locations will include a technology demonstration.

About the Technology Bond Proposal

By maintaining the existing millage rate of 4.3 mills, the Technology Bond will generate $20.87 million for much-needed technology improvements across the school district. This revenue will be generated by offsetting an otherwise anticipated debt millage retirement by the district that averages 1.09 mills over nine years for a net increase in the debt levy of 0 mills.

The technology enhancements contained in the bond proposal will benefit Northville students and the community by providing proven educational technology that adapts to individual student learning styles and needs; strengthening college and career readiness for all students; keeping General Fund dollars in the classroom; and maintaining the current millage rate for taxpayers and keeping the community strong.

“As instructional delivery systems are updated and refined, true student-focused, immersive learning can take place when the most appropriate technologies are available in all classrooms,” said Northville Superintendent Mary Kay Gallagher. “Technology is a powerful part of our daily lives, whether at school, work or home. Technology equipped classrooms that provide digital online access to mobile technology, distance learning and virtual proximity are essential tools as we prepare students for the ever-changing global society in which they will live and work. Educational studies show — and colleges and employers tell us — that technology as a resource and required skill-set must be developed in today’s young people to ensure success in college and the workplace.”

While almost 90 percent of the bond funds (more than $18 million) are earmarked for these technology needs, the bond proposal also includes approximately $2 million for the purchase of replacement buses for the district’s aging fleet.

About the Community Coffees

The Northville Board of Education and district leaders are hosting the community coffees to provide an opportunity for school families and community members to learn more about the Technology Bond Proposal and get answers to their questions in a small group setting. The coffees will have a very informal format, allowing for participants to come and go at any time during the specified timeframe. The community coffees at Winchester Elementary School, Northville High School and Hillside Middle School will include an opportunity for participants to observe model classrooms and see first hand how these proven instructional technologies can impact classrooms and improve learning for students at all levels and abilities.

For More Information

For more information about the Technology Bond Proposal, including answers to frequently asked questions, as well as information about voting precincts, locations and times visit the district website at www.northville.k12.mi.us and click on “Technology Bond and Board Elections.” Questions regarding the Technology Bond can be e-mailed to nps@northville.k12.mi.us.