“These students don’t see technology any more as a separate tool – it’s completely integrated into their lives and what they’re doing,” state schools Superintendent Sherri Ybarra told JFAC, as she outlined her request for an $8 million increase in state funding for classroom technology next year; Gov. Butch Otter is recommending $10 million.

“As it has been stated before, technology alone isn’t going to improve students’ achievement, it’s the combination of great teachers and leaders working with technology to engage students in the pursuit of the learning they need,” Ybarra said.

She’s also requesting a $500,000 increase for school district IT staffing; Otter agreed with her on that request.