The district has completed the first 3 phases of the Smart Board Replacement project replacing nearly 1200 older Smart Boards with new Smart Panels in all district schools. The new Smart Panels empower teachers to use a modern tool to deliver instruction in a contemporary manner and transform the classroom environment for the new generation of learners. The new Smart Panels have fully functioning operating systems and manage as large computers on the wall. They allow teachers to download and utilize modern educational Apps and tools that will enhance teaching and learning in the digital age. The district has also implemented training for all teachers on the use of the new Smart Panels to ensure the effective and efficient use of this technology in the classroom.
A remote management platform is in place to allow Smart Panels troubleshooting from the district’s IT office to minimize the deployment of expensive IT resources to the field. The district’s IT office also has the ability to remotely deploy apps to a large number of Smart Panels and program their automatic shutdown during non-business hours resulting in conservation of energy. The new Smart Panels in the first 3 phases of the project have been funded by Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER II) funds.
The final phase of the project, which will be funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), will commence in October 2022 and will result in the replacement of the remaining 450 older Smart Boards in the district. The caliber of this type of project would normally take about 3 years to complete; however, the district’s IT office, understanding the importance of this technology, started in April 2022 and has successfully replaced 1200 Smart Panels!