BUCKFIELD – SAD 39’s technology programs have received a $34,247 federal grant.

Superintendent William Shuttleworth said the Enhancing Education Through Technology grant will help several areas of the district’s programs.

“It will support staff training as they work to integrate technology into curriculum development,” said Shuttleworth, “and it will provide money to purchase science probes and increase storage capacity for our electronic media. Along with these advantages it will provide links for staff and community representatives to participate in an ongoing dialogue to discuss the value and use of computers in the instructional process.

“This was a very competitive grant process and the credit for securing this grant goes to our curriculum coordinator, Joe Makley, who worked many hours preparing and justifying the application for us.”

Shuttleworth added that a committee of students, staff, parents and businesses helped in seeking the grant and had input into the planning process.

Makley said, “The money will support the commitment that the faculty has demonstrated to bring technology to the instructional process. We have a golden opportunity to deploy the best technology and this money will give teachers and students the tools to use it most effectively. With diminishing state moneys, it is necessary for us to go after outside support that aligns with the work of our school district.”

SAD 39 serves Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner.