HUNTERSVILLE – PTA presidents hoped to find some creative solutions for their school’s technology woes last week when they reached out to the Huntersville School Advisory Committee.
The Jan. 19 meeting featured discussion of ways schools could improve their technologies and training while likely facing large budget cuts.
Some schools need newer, faster computer. Others need interactive white boards while some had the boards but didn’t have their teachers trained to use them.
Parents and PTA presidents from many Huntersville schools, including Barnette Elementary, Blythe Elementary, Huntersville Elementary, Bradley Middle, Torrence Creek Elementary, Hopewell High and J.M. Alexander Middle turned out for the meeting, joining five of the seven committee members. Huntersville Commissioner Ron Julian and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Planning Specialist Dennis LaCaria, who volunteers his time to the SAC, also attended.
“This is the most exciting night we’ve had,” committee member Becky Finger said, pleased with the evening’s turnout.
In addition to finding ways to obtain and maintain newer technology resources, parents also focused on recruiting volunteers.
“We’re concerned that we’re not going to have enough volunteers to do some of the things we want to this year,” Barnette PTA President Carey Nerad said.
Other issues discussed last Wednesday included retaining teachers, support staff and security personnel, and changes to bell schedules and middle school sports.
While the district’s budget picture is bleak, the meeting’s spirit of teamwork and shared struggle brought a measure of comfort and hope to the attendees.
“I think as long as we realize we’re working together, then we’ll get through it,” Torrence Creek Elementary PTA President Melinda Bales said.
The advisory committee plans to meet with PTA presidents again in March and May, and discussed forming a joint commission to work on finding new resources.
“It’s just nice to know you’re not alone in what you’re facing in terms of needs and concerns,” Blythe Elementary PTA President Cindy Deutsch said.
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