SAD 53 receives computers from Massachusetts> Directors want district students to catch up with new technology

PITTSFIELD — SAD 53 directors agreed Monday night to develop a computer curriculum, prompted by two substantial donations of computer equipment to the district.

Superintendent Terry McCannell said the gifts will complement the district’s current inventory of student computers. One gift was the result of a parent’s tip that a school system in Lexington, Mass., was disposing of 20 to 30 Apple computers. The parent, who just moved to Maine from that district, put McCannell in touch with Massachusetts officials, and the computers, hardware and half a dozen printers were given to SAD 53.

McCannell said fourth-grade teacher John Campbell was assessing the computers to see how much of the equipment will be useful.

The second donation was of greater quality, said the superintendent. Edwards Systems Technology of Pittsfield is converting its business computers to IBM and is donating 10 Macintosh computers and three printers, including a color printer, to the district. Another eight computers will be donated soon, he said.

The district’s technology committee will make a recommendation about what school gets the new equipment.

Board Chairman David Fortin said the donations point out the need for a computer curriculum, which the district does not have. Curriculum Chairman Diane Inman said, “If we don’t do it now, we’ll be like Rip Van Winkle.”

The board also discussed the financial aspects and the possible benefits to students and parents if the district were to fund an activity bus for after-hours school events and athletic practices. A survey was conducted of students who play on basketball teams in the district, and 17 students at Warsaw and 12 at Maine Central Institute said they would be interested in the after-school transportation.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, board members noted, since no one has a clear idea of just how many children are not participating in athletics because they cannot get home from practice. Burnham representative Rosemary Salaoutis said she knows of many children who cannot join teams or stay for after-school activities because a parent cannot provide transportation.

“You would be giving a window of opportunity to someone who has been shorted,” she said.

Also not counted in the survey were band students, those participating in clubs, and students who want to remain at school for homework assistance.

McCannell said a loop that encompassed West Pittsfield, to Patterson’s Store in Burnham and on to The Maine Store in Detroit was being assessed, and he soon will receive cost figures from Cyr Bus Co. Many factors need to be looked at, said McCannell, including number of runs, their distance, and seasonal changes. Julie Treadwell, representing MCI, said an activity bus also would benefit students who wanted to attend home games and concerts.

Vickery Principal Charles Philbrick suggested caution. “Over the years we’ve winnowed the budget,” he said. “The cushions, the contingencies and allowances have all disappeared. Now we are looking at something new.”

Fortin said the transportation committee was undertaking simply a feasibility study at this time.

In other action, the board welcomed seven new teachers; reported on the sale of defective heating units at Manson Park School; and learned that the boiler at Vickery School will need a burner, at $3,400, and will be replaced next year.