Foundation Wants To Support Technology In Schools

— The Bentonville Public School Foundation’s fundraising campaign is under way, and organizers are using the opportunity to ask supporters where they would like donations to be spent.

The foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises money to support the Bentonville School District.

The foundation helps teachers implement innovative projects and purchase supplies to support students in academic achievement, said officials from the organization. The foundation plans to continue these efforts, but is looking for new ways to help the district, said Debi Havner, foundation board president.

“One of the big things our board is interested in pushing is technology,” Havner said. “We are looking at that and trying to model a program.”

AT A GLANCE

How To Get Involved

For information on how to be involved with the Bentonville Public School Foundation contact Debi Havner at 479-696-9589 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Also visit their website at www.bentonvilleschoolfoundation.org.

Source: Staff Report

The foundation is considering giving all students in the district an iPad or equivalent electronic device, but is looking for more input from the community and school district, Havner said.

“If you have something electric, you have to have support for it,” said Jeff Clifton, a foundation board member. “The last thing we should do is provide something to the school that they have to spend money to support. Maybe there is somebody out there that would help us with the support.”

Havner visited a school curriculum meeting recently where she asked for the opinions of those working in the district.

“I have teachers who travel and do not have a classroom prep (area),” said Kim Garrett, high school principal. “A laptop would save them time. Honestly, if we could start with teacher laptops then bring students in, the teachers would know how to guide the students.”

Bold for Gold is the foundation’s largest fundraiser. The fundraiser consist of volunteers holding community parties at their homes where the foundation can explain its cause and ask for donations.

“It is a grassroots effort to gain awareness of the foundation,” Clifton said. “We not only ask if someone would like to contribute, but also volunteer.”

The parties also allow the foundation to receive feedback from the community on what it wants, Havner said.

Libby Schaller has two children in the Bentonville School District. She hosted her first Bold for Gold party last year.

“With the economy and taxes as high as they are, there needs to be a way for the people to support the school district,” Schaller said. “We want to see the schools get stronger and better without increased taxes. The foundation has done a fabulous job of helping that cause.”

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