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Board approves library and technology plan; DPI submission due Dec. 2
Summary
The Silver Lake J1 School District board approved a state-mandated library and technology plan that integrates the district strategic plan and expands digital resources; the plan must be submitted to the Department of Public Instruction by Dec. 2.
The Silver Lake J1 School District board voted to approve a state-required library and technology plan after a presentation that outlined a five-year framework to expand digital resources, strengthen makerspace and "idea lab" offerings and align library goals with the district strategic plan.
Sasha, the presenter, told the board the plan follows DPI's "future ready" framework and includes two slides per strategic wedge showing current practices and areas for growth. "The library media plan is state mandated and it is something that we need to submit to DPI. I believe it's due on December 2," Sasha said. She described near-term priorities for months one through three, including renaming the technology committee to an "innovation" committee to coordinate AI, digital literacy and maker initiatives.
Board members asked how digital resources would balance with physical books and summer access. One board member cautioned that technology should not supplant instruction: "I'm a little concerned about an overuse of Chromebooks and gamified digital platforms," the member said, citing research on cognitive effects and literacy trends. Sasha and other board members responded that digital access can increase summer reading opportunities for students who lack a public library and that assistive technologies improve accessibility for some learners.
The board discussed details such as a curriculum audit to identify collection gaps and an intention to expand the district's ebooks and audiobooks using common school funds. Trustees also asked staff to consider logistics for opening the school library during the summer so local children can check out materials.
Motion to approve the plan was made by Mrs. Gallich, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board took the action so the district can finalize the plan and submit it to DPI by the stated deadline.
The board moved on to other business with plans to monitor implementation and report back on logistics such as staffing for any summer library hours and the timeline for forming the innovation committee.
