TONTOGANY – Otsego will spend more than $100,000 to supply laptop computers for junior high school
students.
The school board approved a contract with VAR Resources to finance the purchase of 400 Chromebooks for
grades 6-8 this fall. The cost is $115,000, according to Superintendent Adam Koch.
The money will come out of the district’s permanent improvement fund, from the sale of school property.

Pam Heyman and Ginger Caris, both teachers in the junior high, explained to the board the advantages of
adding the Chromebooks to the classrooms.
The Chromebooks load quickly and with a Linux operating system, is not prone to viruses.
The computers will allow teachers to be accessible to students at all times, and provides paperless
homework, testing, lesson plans and note taking.
Students also will be able to take them home to complete assignments, even without Internet access.
According to Heyman, the laptops will "level the playing field for all students," particular
for those who might not have access to technology.
Mike Wiley, junior high principal, said teachers will have all summer to familiarize themselves with the
devices, and both teachers and parents will be offered training in August.
"This is a great opportunity for Otsego," he said.
Board member Mark Tolles asked if once students enter the high school, will they take a step back from
lack of having technology in the classroom.
Koch said the 90 laptops currently used in the junior high will go to freshmen classrooms next year, and
the goal is to keep moving accessibility up through the classes.
The board also:
• Approved the hiring of two teachers: Gail Warton for preschool and Kathryn Word for second grade.
• Heard that high school Athletic Director Joyce Harnishfeger added a social media clause to the athletic
code of conduct. The clause will require a conference upon first offense, similar to the first offense
for substance abuse.
The addition led to a lengthy conversation over how to curb student inappropriate use of Facebook and
Twitter.
Kevin O’Shea, high school principal, indicated the matter was not black and white. There is a level of
(free) speech that is permissible, he said.