With a cut in the technology capital budget, what action should the middle school principal take to support instruction next year?

• A. Assess the current technology on campus and determine how to use current assets for next school year's instruction
• B. Immediately purchase new equipment to upgrade all labs
• C. Eliminate all technology-integrated lessons
• D. Hire additional technology staff to compensate for the cut

Answer: (A)

When funds for technology are limited, the best move is to maximize the impact of what you already have by taking a careful inventory and planning how to use those assets for next year’s instruction. This means cataloging all devices, checking their condition and current software licenses, evaluating how they’re being used in classrooms, and identifying which applications and lessons can be supported with existing equipment. With that information, you can design a realistic, targeted plan for next year—prioritizing reuse, repairs, and smart deployment of what’s available and setting priorities for any future purchases if or when funds permit. This approach keeps instruction moving without committing to purchases that may not fit classrooms’ needs or create ongoing costs. Eliminating technology-based lessons would reduce learning opportunities, and hiring more staff adds ongoing expenses that aren’t aligned with making the most of current assets. So, the best action is to assess the campus technology and map out how to use it effectively for the coming year.