School board approves removal of outdated classroom projectors, 8–1

The York City School District board voted to approve a tech-department contract to remove outdated classroom projectors during the March 19 meeting, a motion that passed by roll call 8–1.

Board members approved the item described in the agenda as “tech department, old projector removal project, Gettle Incorporated.” The vote followed a short discussion during which district technology staff explained why removal was recommended.

District technology staff said many installed ceiling projectors no longer function because replacement bulbs are unavailable or costly. “There are a lot of projectors that are in the room that I do not have bulbs for, so they don't function anyway. And it's hundreds of dollars to replace the bulbs,” the district technology representative told the board. The staff member recommended removing fixed projectors and using newer, movable interactive Vue Sonic displays that allow teachers to cast from laptops and move the unit for classroom collaboration.

At a roll-call vote the board recorded these positions: Director Thompson — yes; Director Wilkes — yes; Director Breeland — yes; Director Glover Brown — yes; Director Liggins — yes; Director Orr — yes; Director Soupler — no; Vice President Leonard — yes; President Kennedy — yes. The motion therefore carried.

Director Soupler had earlier proposed tabling the item until any true emergency required removal; the board instead voted to proceed. The district tech representative said the NuView/Vue Sonic units have warranties and a supply of replacement laser units that do not require traditional projector bulbs. The staff member added that the move away from ceiling-mounted projectors reduces technical barriers for teachers who want to use interactive displays and mobile casting in class.

The approved resolution returns the equipment removal to the tech department for scheduling and execution; the board did not specify a timetable in the public discussion that evening.