Goodrich-‘Can you hear me now?? is phrase that’s likely to drop from popular use at school board meetings, with the approval of a portable sound system for the meeting room.
The system costs $3,495.
Sharon Roberts, technology specilist for the district, said the new system will include nine goose neck microphones for board members, one hand held microphone for use with public comments, a mixer, a graphic equalizer and two two-way loudspeakers.
Roberts said the system will be installed by Bognar Sound and Music of Flint.
‘This is just a mid-level system,? explained Roberts.’It’s not high-end. We just need it for the transition period right now.?
Trustee Michael Thorp and treasurer Gary Foltz voted against the new system. Thorp expressed concern over paying for a temporary system now when a bond issue is looming that could bring with it funding for a high-end, perminent system.
‘I guess what I want to do is make sure we do it right,? Thorp said at the Feb.26 school board meeting.’My concern here is we’re tossing $3,000 away on something that, six months from now, might now be very useful.?
Roberts said that if the bond issue were to pass and a better sound system were able to be installed, the one they are about to purchase would become a portable system for the district, allowing teachers or clubs to borrow the system when needed.
The sound system is set to be installed within the next three weeks, Roberts said.