BH Schools Buying Chromebooks For Distance Learning

computer54-25
computer54-25

Students at Benton Harbor Area Schools can continue to take classes as the COVID-19 pandemic keeps their building closed following action Tuesday by the local board of education. During a virtual session, Superintendent Andrae Townsel said he’s been given approval to use federal funds for the purchase of 935 laptops.

“At no cost to our district’s general fund, we do have approval to use our Title IV grant funds – which are for enrichment, 21st century learning, student support, and academic enrichment – to purchase Chromebooks for our district,” Townsel said.

The school board thanked Townsel for getting on top of the situation and approved the purchases. The total cost of the tech, plus accessories, will be more than $238,000. Also Tuesday, Townsel said he’s working on the particulars of the long distance learning plan.

“I’ve been collaborating with other superintendents across the state to see what, in general, superintendents are proposing as their distance learning plans just so I can know that we are on par with some of the most high achievement districts across the state.”

Townsel said he’s been hearing from parents who wonder about the status of commencement and prom for their students who are high school seniors. As of right now, he said those have not been canceled, but he needs to following along with what other districts are doing.