A bond in 2014 could help bring Hays CISD technology up to 21st century standards, district officials said in an Oct. 24 meeting.

But it will be up to a board-appointed committee to determine priorities ahead of possibly calling for a bond election.

The district's growth impact committee met on Oct. 24 and listened to presentations by district administrators detailing Hays CISD's technological needs and the financial sum it would take to meet them.

According to presentations delivered in the committee meeting, it would take about $18 million to upgrade network infrastructure, purchase mobile devices for teachers and students, overhaul its telecommunication system and install additional WiFi access points, among other projects the district hopes to address in a potential bond election this May.

Instructional needs were identified through a 21st century focus group study aimed at assessing the use of technology in the classroom and how to improve it.

"It's a whole different way of thinking, the way kids communicate, the way they interact with information, they way they collaborate," Tim Savoy, district spokesman, said. "(Technology would be used) more than just as a side tool but almost as a centerpiece of instruction."

A bond could finance, for instance, the purchase of iPads, or other tablet devices, for use in the classroom. Schools nationwide have implemented tablets into their instruction, and Hays CISD Director of Instructional Technology Christie Richert said they could take the place of SMART boards, interactive whiteboards that were rolled out in many school districts in the 2000s.

"That technology was really cool a few years ago, but there is now a tablet that can replace (SMART boards) at a much lower cost," Richert said.

Technology would be just one facet of the bond, should it be ordered by the board of trustees before the February deadline.

Among the areas a bond would likely cover are safety and security, transportation, maintenance and new construction.

With regard to new schools, Savoy has said the district's greatest need is to build a middle school.

Hays CISD last floated a bond in 2008. Voters approved the $86.7 million program.

The maximum price tag for next year's potential program ranges from $55 to $64 million.

Meetings of the growth impact committee will continue on a weekly basis until Dec. 9, when it is expected to present a recommendation to the board.

The committee's next meeting is slated for Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Kimbro Building of Kyle Elementary School, 500 Blanco St., Kyle.

Go to www.hayscisd.net/gic for more information.