Oysterponds Board reviews technology upgrade plan
Oysterponds Elementary School District officials plan to upgrade the district’s technology infrastructure next year to comply with a mandate from Albany that students take state assessments online by the 2014-15 school year.
During the school board’s regular meeting Tuesday, representatives from Switch Technologies of Rocky Point gave a presentation about the school building’s technical infrastructure and suggested the district replace portions of its system.
Marcus Luck, technology officer with Switch Technologies, said although he doesn’t believe the district has to scrap its entire system, some portions are outdated, in particular the phones. Fixing the equipment will be costly since many parts are now obsolete, he said.
Mr. Luck suggested the district create a five-year technology plan and install a new network, servers and phone system and add wireless access points in each classroom. He said he believes the district should also have an off-site backup plan to protect its data.
“What we’re hoping to do is to give you a little overview, start the conversation and to look at what is a priority,” Mr. Luck told the audience at the conclusion of his presentation.
Superintendent Richard Malone said the first step will be to install new cables throughout the building. Officials said the entire technology project will cost between $90,000 and $120,000.
Switch Technologies is expected to give a second presentation at a future board meeting to review the district’s specific options.
In other district news, the board members present unanimously approved preschool teacher Kathleen Syron’s medical leave request and physical/health educator teacher Craig Osmer’s retirement effective June 30. School board members Deborah Dumont and Thomas Gray were absent.
