Speed 21 is a program that integrates technology into the classroom and helps the teachers instead of giving technology to the school’s students like they have done in the past. The goal is to create lesson plans that use the program for 50 percent of the subject’s core areas.

“The name itself, Speed 21, refers to our desire to have innovative classrooms that are equipped with innovative 21st century tools driven by 21st century teaching strategies,” Superintendent Doctor David Vinson said. “The key word here is innovation.”

Teachers all over the district applied for the new program and had to make many commitments to even be considered. Over the summer, candidates wrote lesson plans and competed for the spot.

“I was asked by the school’s administration if I might be interested in the program because they know I’m willing to try new things and enjoy using technology,” physics teacher David Shipp said.

The teachers who will receive the new program and technology are Shipp, coach and social studies teacher Colby Pohlmeier and English teacher Michelle Lindsay.

“I thought I might be able to deal with some of the challenges that can be faced in adopting new technologies because of my background of having worked in computer and electronics sales in the past,” Shipp said.

The bond that passed in 2012 included money for technology in the district.

“Our end in mind is making certain that the tax payers’ money we spend on technology is well utilized, that teachers love using it, technology that is just as addictive as my smartphone,” Vinson said.

New technology is intended to enhance a student’s learning experience.

“What excites me the most is to see the teachers use the technology in the classroom and then have the students using what they demonstrated in project based learning opportunities,”  Principal Mike Williams said.