Even with an influx of state dollars, Hamilton County Schools won’t be technologically up to speed anytime soon.
The school system will get about $1 million out of a one-time pot of $51 million in Gov. Bill Haslam’s budget to help school systems buy computers, tablets and technological infrastructure. The state is making the money available because it’s mandating districts be ready for new online standardized tests by next year.
But Hamilton County will have to increase the bandwidth capacity at most schools before each student can use a laptop, smartphone or tablet.
“Even if we get the money tomorrow, it will take about a year to finish the project,” said Superintendent Rick Smith.
The school board heard an update on the district’s plans to upgrade technology at its annual planning retreat Saturday. Along with technology, board members discussed school safety, student achievement and the board’s strengths and weaknesses, though no action was taken.