Our view: Meridian leading the way with New Tech program

We hope you saw the front page headline in Tuesday’s Midland Daily News. It read, “Meridian votes to join New Tech,” referring to the New Tech Network, which has implemented its technology-focused program at more than 80 schools nationwide including 10 in Michigan.

Meridian will now become the 11th, and the first Midland County school district to make the commitment. Meridian officials hope to have a contract with New Tech signed by January and the new program implemented for incoming freshman during the 2012-13 school year. Subsequent new classes also will be part of the program until all four grades are participating; current students will continue with the traditional format.

That makes sense from the standpoint of allowing participating students to be part of the program all four years of their high school education. It makes sense in terms of phasing in the program and the costs associated with it. And it makes sense to not disrupt the education of current students with the new program.