School needs high-tech facilities

Residents of Whitefish are aware of the barrage of yellow and green signs and badges in support of the upcoming high school bond issue. They will be asked to vote on the bond issue in March, and it is important for citizens to understand the real needs and issues associated with this bond.

Strong public schools are a core element of what makes an outstanding community. Sound infrastructure and functional facilities are essential in providing our children with the best possible education.

In its current condition, Whitefish High School is not a functional facility. Having been lucky enough to be in the high school for the past year and a half, both as a student teacher and computer lab aid,

I have personally witnessed the need for the renovation and modernization of our high school.

I also have two children in the Whitefish School District, and I feel it is important that they have a functional academic setting.

Part of my responsibility as computer aid is to schedule computer use for teachers and study hall students. This task is becoming more challenging due to the inadequacies of the current facility.

We have three computer labs at the high school. Two are used for classroom instruction and one is primarily used for study hall students. Often students are unable to use the lab during study hall because of the incredible demand by the classes.

On many occasions I have had four teachers request three labs. I have juggled students and teachers, divided classes, borrowed computers from the library, whatever it takes, just to accommodate the students in these classes.

Meanwhile, students who need computers to complete assignments are turned away. The scheduling has become so difficult that students are asked to come in during lunch, before school or after school.

For students who ride the bus, this schedule is impossible. The computer labs in their present condition are unable to meet the student demand.

As a new teacher, I can guarantee that the use of technology in the classroom will only continue to grow. Teachers today are being trained to incorporate technology as a learning tool whenever possible. Students are required to prepare presentations, videos and elaborate projects.

English teachers require students to turn in papers to an online writing assessment program. Business teachers use online stock market tools for investment learning. Government teachers incorporate online tracking tools to inform our students about the current election. Assisted technology is crucial in the Special Services Department.

In other words, teachers are requiring students to use computers more and more. The need is there, and now is the time to do something about it.

We don't want to wait and play catch up with our children's education to provide them with the fundamentals they need to compete in today's increasingly complex society.

I am appealing to the families of our students, as well as the community, to please thoroughly inform yourselves so you will be ready to cast a vote in support of the school bond issue in March.

Lori Marsh is a resident of Whitefish.