Berkley School District Struggles with Technology Needs

Amid proposed education budget cuts at the state level, the is grappling with pressing technology demands and how to finance them.

While no decision has been made about how to address the problem, Superintendent Michael Simeck said: "What we do know is this: We're going to need to address a number of tech needs in the district."

Chief among them is the telephone system, which has a typical life span of five to seven years, Simeck said.

"Ours is close to 15 years (old). We have exhausted even replacement parts," he said. "If it goes bad, we're really going to be in a tight spot."

Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, director of curriculum, technology, assessment and grants for the district, concurred.

"We are in need of a new integrated system, which will run over $400,000," she said.

"We have made major moves to virtual servers at Oakland Schools, which alleviates the need for purchasing costly servers of our own." Fitzpatrick said. "This purchase also comes with 24/7 backup and maintenance, something we couldn't provide ourselves without significant increases in staffing."

Besides the telephone system, Simeck said, the district is looking at how to systemically address classroom technology needs.

"We've got more and more teachers that would like to do X, Y and Z. But we don't have the infrastructure to do it," he said.

For example, for to go wireless, electrical access would have to be run throughout the building to create hot spots, Simeck said.

The superintendent said equipment purchases cannot be financed through the sinking fund, so the district's options are to tap the general fund – which would affect classroom funding – or to issue a bond.

"A bond program would allow for greater system improvements, including wireless access, and ensure similar accessibility for all students and staff," Fitzpatrick said.

However, during a meeting last week between representatives of Berkley and Huntington Woods and the school district, Simeck said whether or not the cities issue bond measures to cope with declining revenues and proposed state budget cuts would impact the schools' decision on how to fund technology upgrades.

"November is the earliest date (a technology bond) could be on the ballot," Simeck said.

Berkley mom Connie Smith, who is a partner in children's consignment shop, reacted with mixed emotions.

"Whether the money comes from the general fund or a bond, I would see whether there are state or federal funds available first, especially when our property values are lower than they were the year before," she said. "You know there's not any more money coming into the city from taxpayers to fund it."

But she conceded it's crucial for the district to keep up with technology.

"The teenagers can write code. Half of what my baby sitter can do, I can't do," Smith said. "This is their new reality. You have to keep up with it because this is what's going to drive their workforce. To not be able to keep up with the technology would deprive them of an education that's relevant for their age."