The Malta Bend Board of Education approved a technology service contract and a grant proposal for agriculture classroom equipment at a special meeting Wednesday, June 13.

The technology service contract with IT Service Pros is a renewal of an existing contract.

District administrative assistant Debbie Kiser told the board that staff have been pleased with the service provided by the firm.

The cost of the contract would remain about the same as the current contract, $550 per month plus some travel expenses.

The board also approved a grant application that if received would allow the district to purchase a wide-screen television set, surge protector and DVD player for the agriculture classroom.

The cost of the equipment is expected to be about $870, according to Principal Roger Feagan, and the district would have to pay 25 percent of that cost.

Board members expressed appreciation for the initiative taken by teachers who apply for grants.

The board recently adopted a measure that would provide a stipend to teachers who win grants, but details are still to be worked out about how to determine the amount of the stipend in each case.

The board adjourned the special meeting and went into closed session to discuss personnel matters.

Contact Eric Crump at

marshalleditor@socket.net