DIXFIELD — Regional School Unit 10 has won an award for being No. 1 in Maine for extensive use of new technology in teaching.
The school board learned Monday night of the award from Knovation, an Ohio-based learner-centered education company. Knovation delivers learning-ready content to teachers and students by grade level.
“We are inspired by districts using 21st century practices to enhance the educational experience,” Knovation CEO Randy Wilhelm said in a news release.
“It’s nice recognition,” RSU 10 Superintendent Craig King said. “We’re making good use of our technology investment.”
Kevin Kaulback, head of technology in the district, and Brian Carrier, technology assistant, presented an update on technology used in classrooms and by the staff.
All students and teachers in grades six through 12 have iPads, numbering 1,610. In addition, 708 MacBooks and 136 MacBook Air laptops are in use, along with 30 desktop computers, and 325 AppleTVs and Smartboards. These are interactive devices used in the classrooms.
Twelve Tandberg devices that allow teachers in one school to teach a course that students in other schools can participate in, along with 11 security systems are also in RSU 10. Virtually every classroom in the district is equipped with a telephone.
The district still has a couple hundred Mac laptops for sale to the public.
In other matters, the board approved an April 2016 trip to Washington, D.C., led by Dirigo Middle School teacher Abby Wood and Dirigo High School teacher Beth Edwards. One adult chaperon will accompany each six students. About 55 middle and high school students are expected to participate.
Students will pay the $1,200 each if 45 students sign up.
The board was also notified by Western Foothills Education Association chief negotiator Rick Greene that the contract for bus drivers, custodians and secretaries expires at the end of the school year. Negotiations on a new contract are expected to begin within a few weeks.
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