By The 2024 HISD bond plan called “Renew HISD” wants to improve technology in schools to train students for the jobs of today, tomorrow and beyond. Part of the investment would mean better computers, internet access, and updated software for learning.
The $1 billion portion of the bond fund allocation for technology investments would go toward expanding and enhancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, student access upgrades, and other technology infrastructure improvements.
Current state
Right now, students learn about Internet Technology, Arts and Communications, and Science and Math using laptops and classroom technology.
The CTE programs provide students with the opportunity to have training in the following technology fields:
- Internet Technology (IT)
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Technology components currently available are as follows:
- Internet and Wi-Fi Access
- Laptops & Tablets
- Classroom Technology
- Districtwide Operations Software
To be “Future Ready”
With the new plan, they’ll also learn digital skills, how to work together online, coding, and how to think critically about media. They’ll also get more support for staying safe online and keeping their information secure.
The bond proposal spending would provide for the following instruction:
- Digital Literacy
- Collaborative Tools and Platforms
- Coding and Programming
- Creativity and Innovation Tools
- Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
In addition, the bond would also provide for the following support for students and staff:
- Proactive Measures
- Cybersecurity Awareness
- Digital Citizenship
The breakdown
$440 Million of the $1 billion dedicated to the effort will be spent on the following components and percentages of the proposed spending:
- Cybersecurity = 3%
- Student and Staff Devices = 40%
- Classroom Technology = 10%
- Connectivity Infrastructure = 25%
- Systems Modernization = 22%
