Richland School District One covers 482 square miles and serves the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina encompassing urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods. A diverse student enrollment of 27,000 students in 51 schools and an equal number of adult education students, give the district its character and strength.

Richland School District One has embarked on a significant, aggressive plan to acquire, support and use technology throughout schools and the community. The establishment of the Information Resource Management Department in 1995, combining and expanding the former Educational Technology, Media Services, and Electronic Repair Units, signaled the beginning of the district's focus on the integration of technology in the instructional arena.

The successful 184 million-dollar bond referendum in 1996 enabled the district to support new school construction, school renovation and renewal and the establishment and expansion of the district wide technology infrastructure. A three year, four-pronged infrastructure plan, funded by the bond at 9.23 million dollars, was initiated in the spring of 1997 that:

1. created the wide area network with Internet access at all locations
2. expanded all school LANs to all classrooms
3. replaced file servers in every school
4. placed two additional computers in every classroom and 15 computers in every media center.

Coupled with these initiatives was the expansion of the technology education program. Courses, modules and workshops offered throughout the school year and summer months are keyed to the district's technology competencies that all employees are expected to master. District-level instructors are full-time technology educators experienced in technology training and integration. Classroom teachers who have demonstrated skill in using technology effectively provide training for evening and summer courses. Additionally, media specialists provide training during and after the school day.

Supplementing the district's technology implementation is a five-year, 4.3 million-dollar Technology Innovation Challenge Grant awarded in October 1997. The grant, titled Richland Clicks! focuses on improving student achievement and community involvement through technology. A wide array of grant activities provides a comprehensive approach to using technology as a tool. An instructional website, curriculum connections lessons, laptop lending program, technology van, and strong community partnerships define the scope of the grant.

Richland One is a beneficiary of state-level initiatives focused on enabling school districts to move forward with successful technology programs. Funded by the state legislature, and administered under the direction of the State Department of Education, millions of dollars have been appropriated to establish infrastructure, Internet and telecommunications, purchase hardware and software, and support the professional development needs of educators. A recently revised State Technology Plan, curriculum frameworks, achievement standards and regional technology centers increase the depth of resources to meet local needs.

Much has been accomplished in Richland One in a few short years. Preparing our students, parents and community for the future will continue to challenge our skills and creativity.