Specialist argues for computer upgrades

It's a technology school without technology, its media specialist argued.

A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet High School has a completely renovated new facility, yet it lacks the equipment to fulfill its mission, Linda Lumpkin said Tuesday during a meeting of the oversight committee responsible for "pay-as-you-go" sales tax projects.

She requested and the committee approved $90,000 for the school to purchase 60 computers, 20 data projectors, five interactive white boards, five wireless interactive boards and five document projectors.

Dr. Lumpkin, a member of the committee, said resources are so scarce that someone at the school decided to buy used laptop computers. When they arrived, however, they didn't have hard drives. The computers that do function operate on Windows 98 and are so slow that documents won't open.

Zelwin Davis was the lone vote against the expenditure, arguing that A.R. Johnson is no more needy than many other Richmond County schools.

"You're talking about spending $90,000 for 380 students," he said. "To me, that's ridiculous."

Dr. Lumpkin said A.R. Johnson shouldn't be looked at like most other schools, comparing it to John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School. That school, she said, has more pianos than any other Richmond County school because of its focus on fine arts, and the same should be true with computers and A.R. Johnson.

Besides, magnet schools are what draw families to the school system, she added.

"People will move to this county for their kids to go to a magnet school," Dr. Lumpkin said. "They will lie and say they live in Richmond County so their kids can go to the magnet school."

William Lockett, the president of the committee, said he has visited the school and found its technology in deplorable condition. He would support giving A.R. Johnson more money, but the money approved by the committee is in line with what it has given to other schools.

The committee's action must go before the school board for final approval.

Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.