LINDEN &045; Scott Collier showed the Linden Board of Education a multimedia presentation depicting the challenges the education system faces and the integration of technology in the classroom at the board meeting yesterday.

Collier and system Superintendent Dr. Walter E. Davis attended a meeting with the Superintendents of Alabama Schools about the bond issue that will be the subject of an Alabama Legislature special session next week. Collier and those in attendance were presented the PowerPoint show, which he presented to the board.

The PowerPoint showed the rapid growth of the U.S. school systems in regards to the growth and education of the rest of the world. It put into context the challenges facing the education system in regards to the numbers and quality of education of other, more populous regions of the world, listing such example as China’s top 25 percent of students number more than the entire U.S. system.

The PowerPoint was then followed by a video showcasing a project by the Philadelphia School System. The system, in conjunction with Microsoft, established a school where students were provided with top of the line computers in an environment that required large amounts of computer based, interactive class settings.

Davis told the board that the meeting he and Collier attended theorized the bond issue that will be debated in the legislature next week could result on the release of between $500 million and $1 billion worth of funds to the educational system of Alabama. He noted there were several proposals of funds by various political entities, though most proposals had the majority of funds going to the kindergarten through 12-grade education group.

In other business, the board approved the 2007-2008 school year calendars that had minor revisions after the board’s last meeting.

A supplement of $5,000 was added to the salary of Terry Gosa by the board, due to the added administrative responsibilities added to Gosa by running two campuses within the system.

The board accepted the review of a proposed Penalty Hall policy for the system. The policy would create an after school or Saturday period for students repeatedly tardy to school to make up missed time.

The board also authorized the superintendent and chief financial officer to amend the Fiscal Year budget as need throughout the year. Board member Joyce Yeager said such a move is common practice annually for the board.