Whitfield schools seek waiver from personal technology ban

Published 7:26 am Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Whitfield County students could soon be able to bring their own laptop computers and iPads to class.

The Whitfield County Board of Education voted 5-0 on Monday to request a five-year waiver from the state Board of Education from a state law banning students from possessing such technology in class.

Superintendent Danny Hayes said he expects the General Assembly will consider changing that law in the current session but the school system requested the waiver so students can move forward on using their own computers.

The letter the school board will send to the state board says the waiver would “allow students greater access to digital resources,” and that “technology has proven to be an effective tool of engagement and has become a vital part of our instruction.”

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Board members also voted 5-0 to purchase three new buses with the aid of funds from a state bond package. The total purchase price is expected to be $307,677, with $228,658.50 coming from the state. The remainder would come from funds the board has already approved for the purchase and repair of buses.

Board members re-elected Louis Fordham chairman for 2012, and elected Bill Worley vice chairman.