New Devices Bridge Jackson County Technology Gap

August 13, 2026 - 08:53

Jackson County Schools is taking a major step forward in its push to get a device into the hands of every student. The district is expanding its one-to-one technology program, aiming to boost classroom participation and close the connectivity gap that often affects families in rural areas.

Director of Schools Jason Hardy confirmed that the district has secured grant funding to purchase around 1,600 new Chromebooks for students and 200 laptops for teachers. The new equipment is meant to replace older, outdated machines and ensure that learning does not stop when the school bell rings. For many households in the county, having a reliable device at home has been a challenge, and this initiative directly addresses that issue.

Beyond the laptops, the plan includes a significant upgrade to classroom infrastructure. Hardy noted that smart TVs and projectors will be installed in roughly half of the district's classrooms. This move is designed to create a more interactive and engaging environment for students, allowing teachers to use digital content in real time rather than relying on static whiteboards or printed materials.

The rollout is expected to happen in phases, with training for staff to follow. School officials believe that putting modern tools directly into the hands of students and educators will make lessons more relevant and prepare kids for a tech-driven world. The goal is simple: make sure every child in Jackson County has the same opportunity to learn and succeed, no matter where they live.