LOCAL SCHOOLS GET BELL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS

Four area schools will benefit Southwestern Bell technology grants.

Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Woodland public schools and St. Vincent de Paul grade school received a combined $15,000 to research or implement technology centers.

"I'm really excited because this is just another way for Southwestern Bell to become involved in our schools locally," said Donna Burk, Southwestern Bell external affairs area manager. "Anytime we can do something to enhance the level of education for our students, we're doing a good thing."

The most funding was given the Two-Way, Interactive Television Project Implementation grants worth $35,000 and the Interactive Technology Project Implementation grants worth $10,000. Some schools also received Technology Planning and Feasibility Projects grants of $2,500 each.

St. Vincent of Cape Girardeau received a $10,000 grant to put in a 15-computer lab that will connect with the Internet, computer coordinator Pat Hill said.

Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Woodland received feasibility grants worth $2,500 to study if a technology program is practical and workable for the district, Burk said.

Jackson assistant superintendent Fred Jones said his district will determine if an interactive television and distance learning projects are feasible. If they are, the district could develop shared classes with other schools or dual credit courses with colleges.