Administrators pursue updated technology

Two technology-related purchases were approved by the the Bethel Park School Board on Tuesday.

The board voted 6-3 to have Dagostino Electronic Services install new video and sound equipment in the community room at a cost not to exceed $73,000.

Members Pamela Dobos, Barry Christenson, Connie Ruhl, Darren McGregor, Ken Nagel and Russ Spicuzza voted in favor of the purchase. Jim Modrak, Kimberly Walsh-Turner and Vince Scalzo dissented.

Once installed, the equipment will enable the board to more easily broadcast and stream its meetings.

Mr. Christenson said the purchase is a commitment from the board to the community that “from here on out” the meetings will be streamed and broadcast for the public who, because of COVID-19, has not been allowed in the board room.

The board has been streaming its meetings via Facebook Live for nearly a year, using the community room’s existing equipment.

The board will continue to stream the meetings even after the pandemic, since many people cannot attend in-person even under normal circumstances.

Mr. Christenson added the involvement from the community at the virtual meetings through the pandemic has “actually been fantastic.”

The board also approved an agreement with First American for the purchase of $365,000 worth of equipment, including 232 Windows two-in-one PC laptop computers and the same number of monitors and docking stations as well as about 163 Chromebooks.

The PCs will be used by teachers in grades kindergarten through sixth and the Chromebooks for paraeducators, nurse’s aides and instructional aides.