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But the presentation may have looked more like a debate to the sizeable audience, who witnessed a ping pong-like dispute occurring between a local watchdog chair and the district's technology consultant.

School board members David Hogerheide, Jennifer King and Terry Thomas, along with technology consultant Fred Trimble, attended the regular meeting of the Clearwater Township Board of Trustees March 18, as part of a informational tour of 10 townships.

Hogerheide, a school board trustee, began the presentation by explaining that the district's five year, $750,000 technology bond proposal would maintain the current debt levy, not increase it.

"It keeps the current payment across the board," Hogerheide said. Technology consultant Fred Trimble also weighed in. "It extends the current tax rate," Trimble said. "That's a pretty good way to describe it."

The two continued to explain that 85 percent of the district's computers are five years old or older and that one third are more than 10 years old. They added that the district also obtains fewer computers than last year.

"They're just plain dying," Trimble said. Dale Gaylord, Chair of Friends of Rapid City Elementary School, FORCES, asked why the district was attempting to obtain $750,000 when she believes the same job could be done for $300,000.

Trimble said the district was attempting to go for the maximum amount they could go for without raising the cost to the taxpayer, and that the $750,000 was within reason.

"You need 1.5 million in computers if you want to compete with Elk Rapids," Trimble said.

They continued to explain that the district could not do all they want to do for $300,000.

Gaylord disagreed and said FORCES could show them how and that they had been actively working on the issue. She suggested that local businesses may be willing to pick up some of the slack if they would consider it.

Trimble said he'd like to see the proposal. Gaylord officially invited him to one of their meetings.

She also asked if the school had tried for grants as an alternative and that FORCES knew of some to go for. Trimble said the district has gone for grants.

"Frankly, we feel this is an affordable solution," Hogerheide said, adding that even in today's economy, a total cost of $14 per year for a home valued at $50,000 was feasible.

Resident Larry Fields asked what would happen if the proposal didn't pass. Hogerheide said lay offs would likely take place.

"The district will need to purchase computers nonetheless, so the money will need to come from the general fund," an audience handout reads. "This means additional cuts."

Gaylord asked what Trimble stood to gain monetarily from the passing of the bond. She asked if there was a specific number Trimble could share.

Trimble said the total amount of $70,000 is the maximum allowed by the state and only a portion of it goes toward his consulting fees. The funds also cover any necessary engineering fees.

He then said he would like to address two "rumors" going around about his involvement; one says he makes $75,000 off the job and the other says the more expensive the computer he suggests the more money he makes, Trimble said. He explained that the state sets the amount of money he can earn, and that the purchase of new computers doesn't move the district ahead with expansion.

"It replaces old computers," Trimble said.

Township Supervisor David Grimm ended the discussion due to time limitations, saying the line of questioning needed to be saved for a school board meeting.

Megan Taylor can be reached for question or comment at mtaylor@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-264-9711.