4 County Schools to Get State Computer Money

Four Ventura County high schools, chosen randomly in a state drawing, will receive nearly $2 million for new computer equipment.

As part of a four-year program designed to expand technology across California, the state Department of Education will provide matching funds for equipment at Newbury Park High, Rio Mesa High near Oxnard, Buena High in Ventura and Moorpark Community Continuation High.

“I just have the feeling we’re way behind and this is really going to launch us into the 21st century,” Newbury Park Principal Max Beaman said of the more than $500,000 his school was allotted.

There are now seven computers in the library at Newbury Park, a few in science labs and several scattered through other classrooms. Officials agree that for the more than 1,700 students, there have not been enough computers.

With the state money, Beaman envisions putting six computers in each classroom and 24 in the library, complete with Internet capabilities.

The $136 million set aside for 315 schools statewide last week is part of an effort called the Digital High School Program.

Across the state, educators consider technology an essential classroom tool.

“We’ve gone past the stage where computers are a novelty,” said Rio Mesa Principal Barry Barowitz, whose school will receive $760,500. “So that’s how we’re approaching it.”

During the past three years, county districts have budgeted about $6 million each year for computers, County Supt. of Schools Charles Weis said. Adding another $1.95 million from the state will make a difference.

“It really is a significant portion of the total allocation for technology in this county,” he said.

But schools haven’t received the money yet and that could take awhile. Each of the four schools must complete a formal application outlining how it intends to use the money. Districts must also agree to match the money allocated by the state.

When the program ends in 2000, technology is expected to be completely integrated into every high school in the state, according to the Department of Education.