Banks Puts School Tech Under Scrutiny

Cobb County Board of Education member David Banks wants to know how efficiently the school district is using technology.

Banks, who represents part of East Cobb, plans to bring up the topic during Wednesday’s 8:30 a.m. board work session at the  boardroom.

“It’s about how effective are we in using our technology in the learning process,” he told Patch. “We spend tens of millions of dollars on technology, so how effective have we used it? I’m going to ask the administration to develop the questionnaire on the ways that they can measure. It’s not to point fingers, but it’s just to find out where are we. It’s to know how we can use our technology to a greater degree.”

Banks said his main focus is on teachers, not students.

The board also likely will discuss four charter schools seeking approval for their petitions to operate next school year:  and , which are seeking renewal, and newcomers STEAM Academy of Cobb and Turning Point Charter Leadership Academy School of Excellence.

In late June, Turning Point and STEAM joined the two existing charter schools in  to shore up problems the district had with their initial proposals.

Imagine International  of students and supporters to the board work session June 8. Three of the seven people who spoke during the public comment period at the  urged the board to renew the school’s charter.

Among other matters on the agenda:

• Board member Lynnda Crowder-Eagle of West Cobb’s Post 1 plans to provide an update on the school lunch program and talk about Success for All.
• Board Chairwoman Alison Bartlett of Post 7, which is south and west of Marietta, will discuss a work plan for additional board training with Georgia School Boards Association consultant , who also plans to talk to the board about being a Board of Distinction. The ,  and  school boards are among the dozens of Boards of Distinction in Georgia.
• Superintendent Michael Hinojosa will discuss legislative priorities.