Meridian close to becoming New Tech district

The day when textbooks vanish and are replaced by laptops, tablets or iPads could very well be coming soon to Meridian High School, pending a vote by the board of education at its next meeting.

That idea has administrators, teachers, parents and students excited for what many are calling the new wave of learning. But questions still linger on just how feasible a new high-tech school system is and how students will respond.

New Tech Network, a national nonprofit based in California, has implemented its model in more than 80 public high schools across the country.

After multiple visits to New Tech schools over the past several months, the Meridian school board will vote Nov. 28 on whether to submit an application to New Tech Network. The initiative has gained support from each board member throughout the process and will likely be approved.

Meanwhile, Midland Public Schools is also considering New Tech, but remains in the exploratory stages.

“We can talk about this like it is a franchise. (New Tech Network has) been doing this since 1996,” said Meridian Superintendent Craig Carmoney.

The program is not just about bringing in electronics to replace more old-fashioned methods of learning. Founders tout what is called “project-based learning,” which calls for not only technology, but a culture that promotes teamwork, trust, respect and responsibility. One example of that mindset is the removal of locks and lockers at New Tech schools.

“There’s so much trust between the students and the teachers,” said Sarah Dudinetz, a Meridian Middle School student who traveled to a New Tech school in Indiana along with two other students. “In that environment, all the students wanted to go to school.”