NRCS Provides Computers to Kansas Schools

Meade students work on computers donated by the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Local schools are faced daily with decisions. What repairs must be made? What equipment must be purchased? What can wait until more money is available? At least one of these decisions was made a little easier in the Meade school system through a donation from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Government agencies depend upon computers for their day to day operations. The computers used by these agencies must be dependable and up to date. For this reason, a regular replacement schedule is used.

"Computers being replaced by the government are not necessarily in bad condition" says Don DuPree, USDA computer specialist. "We often replace computers to keep equipment that meets our changing needs."

Last spring, the Natural Resources Conservation Service donated 15 used computers to the Unified School District 226 in Meade. This donation meant that for the first time ever, every student in the computer class could be on a machine at the same time. It also means that twice the educational material could now be covered in class than in previous years.

According to Rob Lauppe, Information Technology Specialist at Meade High School, the hard drives on the donated computers were "rebuilt" and "gone through." The total cost for the school was around $80 and represented a huge savings to the school district.

Robert Herbig, Superintendent for Meade Schools, said the donation was a "Great savings to the district and was very thoughtful."

"Just as NRCS encourages landowners to be good stewards of the land, we are trying to be good stewards of taxpayer money through donations back to the community" said Jim Wright, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist in Dodge City. "We feel that through contributions back to area schools, we are providing some of the tools needed to ensure the future of our country through adequate education."

It is hoped that additional donations of computer hardware by NRCS can be made to area schools in the future.

Story by Tom Flowers, NRCS Meade County District Conservationist, for the Dodge City Globe.