Computer funds sought

A recent grant from Bend Cable may help Sisters schools purchase 130 computers. But another $5,725 has to be raised locally - and soon.

The computers are coming from Intel through Oregon Education Service Districts, and are being distributed to schools around the state.

The computers are being sold to the schools for $165 each, although Sisters has a chance to get them for $44 each of "locally raised" money.

"That's a pretty good deal," said Sisters Schools Superintendent Steve Swisher.

The price may be rock-bottom, but these are not stripped down machines. According to Sisters High School teacher Jon Renner, the retail price of the computer systems would be between $1,600 and $1,800 each.

The district has been allocated approximately 200 machines, according to Swisher.

At $165 each, the district was looking to raise $33,000 (for systems worth about $300,000 on the open market).

Sisters Elementary School raised $11,550 for 70 of the computers. The Sisters Schools Foundation contributed another $5,000 for machines at the middle and high schools.

Then Bend Cable stepped up to the plate.

The company offered to match local donations. This is the equivalent of paying for half of the computers, or $16,500. That left $16,500 for local donors.

Subtract the $5,000 donated by the foundation, and half of that already raised by the elementary school ($5,775), the remaining amount is $5,725, according to Swisher.

For 130 computers. Or about $44.04 each.

Swisher acknowledges that if all of the elementary money was used to buy the new systems, fund-raising would be over.

But he said it would not be fair to teachers and parents who worked hard to fund computers for the elementary school to see their effort spread throughout the district.

Consequently, the Bend Cable match will allow the elementary school to spend $5,775 on software, printers, or other peripherals at their facility.

There is only one worry. The money has to be raised soon, or there is a possibility that the program may run out of machines.

"June 30 is the end of this fiscal year, (the deadline), but availability in the state may be limited. It may be first come, first served, so we want to get in there and get them up front," said Swisher.

Swisher said no donation is too small.

"I would rather have a whole bunch of people contribute a little, than just a few contribute a whole lot," said the superintendent.

"As more people get involved and understand the issues and technology in our schools, it helps the awareness of our technology program," he said.

"I would rather have a broad base of informed people."

Checks for the computers can be made out to the Sisters Schools Foundation.

On the memo line of the check, write "Adopt A Computer."

Send the checks to the Sisters Schools Foundation, P.O. 2155, Sisters, Oregon, 97759.For more information call 549-8521.