Dr. Croom, At South Johnston we understand that innovation requires equal parts disruption and maintenance.

To sustain the technological growth we started with this years 1:1 initiative, Souths administrative team researched a Golden Leaf grant designed to equip our incoming freshman class with mini-laptops, while continuing professional development. We are committed to positive change, committed to better serving our community and committed to making Johnston County a premier location for instructional technology. However, we know a district partnership is crucial for long-term success. In conversation with Mark Sorrells, the Vice President of the Golden leaf foundation, it was made clear that all Golden Leaf technology grants start with a unified district-school vision. In collaboration with the central office, we believe South Johnston can win a Golden Leaf grant and eventually serve as a pilot for 1:1 schools in Johnston County. There are three predominate reasons for this: 1) Population. A recent analysis of area demographics conducted by Mayor Massengill showed a 119% increase in county unemployment over the past four years. This economic downturn has hit Souths population particularly hard, resulting in 64% of students receiving or reduced priced lunches. Put simply, there is a real need and a present opportunity, something that Golden Leaf is keenly aware of. 2) Location. In an informal meeting, a Golden Leaf representative said the western part of Johnston County skews target-statistics, considering that there are former tobacco-dependent areas, like southern Johnston, with higher levels of poverty in a more rural setting. The Foundation would like to recognize this by putting more emphasis on those areas. However, research has shown that single-school initiatives are significantly less successful than district initiatives. 3) Preparation. Over the past several months, experiences have better equipped students and staff with the materials and mindsets needed to leverage new instructional technology, through district support. Moreover, as one of three North Carolina high schools piloting RtI, we have additional resources and development opportunities, including Of course, all these reasons are housed under our sole motivation: preparing students for the increasingly rigorous challenges of the 21st century. We believe South is in the right place, at the right time, with the right people to become a model for how this is done. Golden Leaf planning tools require high-level district/school/community partnership. Today we are asking for a commitment of support from the county for South Johnston to receive funding as a pilot 1:1 school for the county. Humbly Submitted, Eddie Price Principal South Johnston High School Sean Murphy Administrative Intern