Network for the New Millennuim
Tools for Schools

More than a decade ago, our community helped the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District become one of the first school districts in America to have technology available for students in Kindergarten through Grade Twelve. In fact, JCPS was the direct recipient of an outpouring of community support that resulted in contributions of more than $9 million—money used to equip our schools with full computer labs. The project was called New Kid in School.

The good news is that a good deal of the equipment is still operational. The bad news is that a good deal of the original “New Kid” equipment still is being used in classrooms today. Unfortunately, much of this older equipment no longer meets the rigorous needs of 21st century education. Obviously, it’s time for an upgrade. It’s also time to make sure that the “new kids” entering Kindergarten are prepared to use the new technology. That preparation needs to start early—as early as age three.

Unfortunately, not all children have access to quality Preschool programs where such training can be provided—especially not three-year-old children who are economically disadvantaged. JCPS wants to change that. Data on our Early Childhood Jump Start Program for economically disadvantaged four-year-olds show that the children who attend Preschool programs make better academic progress and have better attendance in their later school years. That is the kind of success we want for all children. The only challenge is money.

As part of the Kentucky Education Reform Act, all schools in Kentucky must comply with the standards of the Kentucky Educational Technology System (KETS). In fact, JCPS is working hard to bring its student-computer ratio of 5.3:1 in line with the state goal of 6 to 1. Without new hardware, the District’s student-computer ratio will fall to 7 to 1.

Each year, the District must apply to the state for KETS funding. However, since JCPS is Kentucky’s largest school district, it is not possible to upgrade all of our schools at once. This year, for example, 37 schools will get upgrades. In addition, JCPS must match every dollar the state provides for this purpose.

That’s where you can help. A fully equipped computer lab costs $54,000 and includes 30 workstations, two ethernet hubs, a laser printer, and some basic software. If pledged over three years, your annual contribution is $18,000.

In addition, for every dollar you help us raise to match the state’s funds, the District can free up the same amount for the Preschool Program. By sponsoring just one computer lab, you can help us network our schools for the new millennium and make it possible for more of our “new kids” to have a quality preschool experience.

For more information, contact Linda R. Harper, Director of Development, Jefferson County Public Education Foundation. Van Hoose Education Center, 3332 Newburg Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Phone number 485-3949. Fax number 485-3630.

Jefferson County
Public Education Foundation
Board of Directors

Chairman
Malcolm B. Chancey, Jr.
Suite 515
P.O. Box 32500
Louisville, Kentucky 40232-2500
(502) 566-2418

Vice Chairman
Orson Oliver
Bank of Louisville
500 West Broadway
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(502) 562-5442

Secretary-Treasurer
James J. Sampey
American Life and Accident Insurance Co.
Three Riverfront Plaza, 5th Floor
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(502) 585-5347

Mike Brown
Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers
P.O. Box 37150
Louisville, Kentucky 40233
(502) 368-2581

Suzanne Davis
BellSouth
9100 Shelbyville Road, Suite 300
Louisville, Kentucky 40222
(502) 327-5901

Henry Heuser, Jr.
Henry Vogt Machine Company
1000 West Ormsby, Suite 300
Louisville, Kentucky 40210

Steve Langford
WAVE TV-3
P.O. Box 32970
Louisville, Kentucky 40232
(502) 561-4139

Henry Ormsby
National City Bank, Kentucky
P.O. Box 36000
Louisville, Kentucky 40233
(502) 581-6654

Ben Richmond
Louisville Urban League
1535 West Broadway
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
(502) 585-4622

Mike Vairin
PNC Bank, Kentucky, Inc.
500 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(502) 581-7178