July 2008 RCSS Superintendent Dr. Bedden warns of tech crisis...

On July 11, 2008, the Augusta Chronicle featured an article, "Bedden warns of technology crisis" and "According to the school system, about $3.85 million is allocated in the general fund for technology, including personnel. Another $1.4 million comes from sales tax revenue". 


In my last post, I shared information about the Department of Defense Computers for Learning program. One issue I have with all Richmond County schools is their disconnect with Fort Gordon, Georgia, home of the Signal Corps, even though many of us are parents, tax payers, volunteers, educators, administrators, and supporters of RCSS in countless ways. 


As a Signal Soldier, one of the numerous mottos we live with is, "They can talk about us but not without us" regardless of the type (analog, digital, or IP) of communications we are working with. One of many things that has been a frustrating to me is the disconnect and the lack of technology in the schools of Richmond County. So for $chieße and giggles, I wanted to see how many of the RC schools were approved in the DoD Computers for Learning program. The results (school, year approved):

Academy of Richmond County, 2010

Diamond Lakes Elementary, 2009
Freedom Park School, 2008

Hephzibah Middle School, 2006

Jamestown Elementary School, 2009

Mcbean Elementary School, 2009

Morgan Road Middle School, 2010

Spirit Creek Middle School, 2009

Barton Chapel Elementary, 2004

Glenn Hills Middle School, 2004

Goshen Elementary School, 2008

Terrace Manor Elementary, 2008

Tobacco Road Elementary, 2008

Tutt Middle School, 2004

Wheeless Road Elementary School, 2010

Collins Elementary, 2005

East Augusta Middle School, 2004

Laney High School, 2010 ( 1 of 3 schools receiving of $1.5 million federal grant in 2010)

Willis Foreman Elementary School, 2009
Wheeless Road Elementary, 2010

Why aren't all Richmond County schools participating in this program? Why isn't being registered in the DoD Computers for Learning program a prerequisite before receiving federal funds, whether Title 1, grants, and other sources of funding? 

While former RCSS Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden is quoted, "I basically went crawling and begging to the Signal Corps and the county for help because of the number of employees we lost". We asked each other if he stopped at the front gate.

Fast forward 2.5 years later...now what?

Google Apps Education Edition? Educate community members? Eradicate the us vs. them mentality? Read the multiple resources available through the Georgia Department of Education Keys to Quality School Improvement and resources for School Keys, GAPSS Analysis, and Implementation Resource and the Richmond County School System 2010 AYP ?

What happened to the recommendations presented by MGT of America when they conducted the Performance Review of RCSS (2008, 10 chapters, 328 pages) at a cost of $250,000 and approved by the RCBoEd? When is the last time you reviewed the RCSS Technology Plan, System Technology Inventory by School, System Technology & Media committee? 

When the F2F communication doesn't work take it to the net...or even academic research. How many times have we heard the reference to the infamous quote from Cool Hand Luke...What we have here is a failure to communicate.

If identifying the problem puts you 50% closer to finding the solution how do move towards a solution if the decision makers aren't listening?

DOD Computers for Learning

Updated links that changed due to the We Are DLA Initiative.

The DOD CFL program was created to provide useful IT equipment to schools and educational nonprofit organizations serving grades pre-K through 12. The DOD CFL program is designed to streamline the transfer of excess and surplus DOD IT equipment to schools.


The application process is simple, apply online and submit a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). In addition, Private/Parochial Schools and Non-Profit Educational Entities need to complete and submit an End Use Certificate (EUC) and be approved through the Trade Security Control (TSC) Office.


Registration for Public Schools
Registration for Private/Parochial Schools
Registration for Non-Profit educational entities serving K-12
Is your school/entity already approved?
Search by state or zip code
Search approved Non-profit educational entities
Executive Order 12999 Computers for Learning (signed 1996)

"In order to ensure that American children have the skills they need to succeed in the information- intensive 21st century, the Federal Government is committed to working with the private sector to promote 4 major developments in American education: making modern computer technology an integral part of every classroom; providing teachers with the professional development they need to use new technologies effectively; connecting classrooms to the National Information Infrastructure; and encouraging the creation of excellent educational software. This Executive Order streamlines the transfer of excess and surplus Federal computer equipment to our Nation's classrooms and encourages Federal employees to volunteer their time and expertise to assist teachers and to connect classrooms".


Sec. 1. Protection of Educationally Useful Federal Equipment
Sec. 2. Efficient Transfer of Educationally Useful Federal Equipment to Schools and Nonprofit Organizations.
Sec. 3. Assisting Teachers' Professional Development: Connecting Classrooms.
Sec. 4. Definitions For the purposes of this order:
Sec. 5. This order shall supersede Executive Order No. 12821 of November 16, 1992.
Sec. 6. Judicial Review