At the regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting, the board approved an exciting investment in classroom technology with the installation of new interactive flat panels across the district. This initiative marks the first steps of resolving issues identified by the Facilities Assessment Committee.
The Facilities Assessment Committee has conducted a series of meetings and campus walkthroughs to evaluate facility needs ranging from minor upgrades to large-scale improvements. This committee, which includes input from staff, community members, administrators, and parents, began in January and will continue through the summer.
“Through the facilities assessment process, committee members have been getting a first-hand look into the current state of and future opportunities for Snyder ISD,” said Bob Rauch, Superintendent of Schools for Snyder ISD. “We are grateful to the participants for dedicating their time and providing valuable input.”
“One priority identified was the aging technology in many classrooms,” said Morgan Preston, CFO for Snyder ISD. “Thanks to collaborative planning and approval by the Board of Trustees, we’re able to move forward with this upgrade utilizing funds from our M&O (maintenance and operations) budget for the benefit of our students and staff.”
Snyder ISD is committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer funds while prioritizing projects that directly benefit student achievement and instructional excellence. “As a district, we will continue to evaluate and prioritize future capital projects as our budget allows,” added Preston.
While Snyder Intermediate School received interactive panels during its 2018 remodel, many classrooms across the district are still using outdated and often non-functional Promethean boards and projectors—some of which are over 18 years old. Teachers involved in the assessment process emphasized that updated panels would significantly enhance instruction and classroom efficiency.
The interactive flat panels offer features that will transform the learning experience:
Increased Student Engagement: Touch functionality and interactive tools support hands-on, participatory learning.
Enhanced Collaboration: Multi-touch capability and wireless screen sharing support group work, presentations, and student-led activities.
Improved Visual Learning: High-resolution displays allow for rich multimedia integration, making complex topics easier to understand.
Cost-Effective and Easy to Use: These user-friendly panels are an affordable replacement for aging technology and are intuitive for teachers and students.
Seamless Integration: The panels offer USB, HDMI, and Bluetooth connectivity, along with features like digital annotation and document display.
“This is an investment in both teachers and students. This upgrade will have an immediate impact on instruction and aligns with our district’s three-year strategic plan focused on instructional excellence,” said Bob Rauch, Superintendent of Snyder ISD. “It ensures classrooms are equipped with tools that foster engaging, modern, and effective learning environments.”
Jeff McGinnis, Director of Technology and Security, shared that installation will take place over the summer to minimize disruptions. “Our goal is to ensure all teachers are trained before the first day of school."