Testimony: ‘We need to adapt’

Lorna Finman of Post Falls told lawmakers, “I am here today to wholeheartedly support Supt. Tom Luna’s plan for students come first in Idaho. … We need to adapt and increase our level of education quality like never before if we are to adapt.”  Finman, who’s been active in promoting technology programs including robotics for school kids in North Idaho, shared the story of a formerly homeless North Idaho student who was given a laptop computer, and became a successful programmer and went on to attend MIT. “We are not tapping into the potential of these students and preparing them for 21st century jobs and job creation,” she said. “In my opinion, Supt. Luna’s plan is the only option that makes sense on the table.”

Laurie Langdon of Garden City, by contrast, said, “I don’t agree that the best tools we have should be given up in favor of technology.” She said her children’s schools already have technology including smart boards, computers and clickers. “Please leave us with the options of deciding whether or not those online classes are good for our students,” she said. “Please don’t hamper local schools with more mandates in these areas.”