Brandon Twp.- Construction on an approximately $2 million technology center for students and teachers in the Brandon School District will begin in the fall.
School board trustees approved the project by a 6-1 vote at the May 11 board meeting. Trustee Luke Frye voted no.
The 7,600 square-foot Instructional Technology Exploration and Collaboration Center will be an addition to the Brandon Middle School and is funded as part of the $73 million bond approved by voters in 2006.
‘It’s an opportunity for our students to have top of the line technology for 21st century learning and their future, which will be a technological one,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon. ‘It’s also an opportunity for training teachers. The bond has put a lot of technology into the hands of teachers and they have to maintain their ability to use that technology.?
The center will feature two full-size classrooms, expanded to create large group instruction areas, as well as two small professional development classrooms, a private conference room, private offices, a reception area, restrooms and a large configurable learning and explorations space, said Technology Director Paul Spoor.
Additionally, the center will be stocked with state-of-the-art computer equipment, projection systems, interactive technology, and enhanced sound systems.
The center will benefit all students, K-12, and will also tie in with the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program at the high school.
‘It will enhance the instruction of all of our kids,? said Spoor. ‘The center will really put the Brandon School District at the forefront of technology instruction and professional development.?
Construction is expected to be completed by May with minimal modifications to the middle school and a grand opening scheduled for summer 2010.