INFRASTRUCTURE,+HARDWARE,+TECHNICAL+SUPPORT+AND+SOFTWARE

=III. Infrastructure, Hardware, Technical Support, and Software=

=A. Current Technology Status=

A description and inventory of the current status of hardware, software, network infrastructure, telecommunications, and other technology services in the district. //Network//

The Hyde Park Central School district maintains a complex network infrastructure to support the computing needs of faculty, staff, and students. Each building has a local area network (LAN) composed of Cat 5, 5e, and 6 copper cabling as well as fiber optic connections. Each LAN is connected to other buildings via a wide area network (WAN). The WAN is provided by an outside vendor (currently Hudson Valley Datanet) utilizing fiber optic connections between each building. The Transportation building is one exception, as it connects to the WAN using wireless technologies through a link established with Ralph R. Smith Elementary School. File, application, and print resources can be shared and used from anywhere in the district. The entire district is connected to Dutchess Boces who serves as the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Currently Dutchess Boces contracts out the internet connection to Hudson Valley Datanet in order to connect Boces and other school districts to the World Wide Web.

//Wireless Networking//

The school district has wireless network access in a variety of locations in each building. Wireless access is not universal. Wireless access is protected by wireless encryption, and access is granted/monitored through the Technical Services Department.

//Network File Storage//

The school district began implementation of new servers in 2009 to replace servers that were over 5 years old. As part of this upgrade, the school district is now utilizing "server virtualization" through the use of a product called VMWare. Server virtualization allows the district to more efficiently provide and use storage / server resources as well as providing better fail-over protection in the event of a server failure.

//Software//

The school district uses a variety of software to support administrative functions and instructional needs. Some of the software is installed locally on each computer, whereas other software is run from a server. Some newer software is web-based and run directly from a web browser without requiring additional software to be installed. The district has basic criteria for purchasing software that can be found HERE.

//Telephone Systems and Service//

Telephone service is made available through Paetec, Verizon and AT&T. FDR High School, Haviland Middle School, and the District Office have T-1 data lines supporting multiple-line voice communication. The elementary schools and the transportation building are serviced by regular telephone lines (2-3 per building) provided by Verizon. AT&T provides long distance service to the non-Paetec buildings. All district telephone service with the exception of AT&T long distance is provided via Dutchess BOCES cosers. All telephone service is submitted for e-rate reimbursement on a bi-annual basis.

The Hyde Park Central School District is composed of phone systems of various capabilities and functioning levels. The District Office, Haviland Middle School, and FDR High School have the most modern systems, manufactured by Avaya. These systems are capable of handling Voice Over IP technology through configuration and minor hardware upgrades. The Haviland Middle School and District Office systems are complete installs and include telephones in each room and voicemail systems designed to accommodate every staff member. The FDR High School system was purchased to replace a previous phone system that suffered complete failure in 2004. As such it was configured to meet the basic needs of the building (phones only in key support offices) and does not adequately address communication needs for building faculty outside of the office staff. The FDR system has the capability of voicemail, but this feature has not been implemented due to the lack of compatible telephone equipment.

The Transportation Dept. as well as the five elementary school buildings have phone systems manufactured by either Avaya, Lucent, or AT&T. These systems provide basic communication and are not engineered to meet the communication demands of today. These systems do not meet the needs of the building staff and have required regular repairs by technicians. It is important to note that the phone wiring in these buildings has been patched many times and sound quality issues are a constant reality.

The Hyde Park Central School District will be evaluating its phone communication systems over the next three years to develop a plan to upgrade or replace current systems with the goal of providing higher quality communication hardware as well as lowering costs through the consolidation of telephone lines (using telephone company T1 lines and the district’s Wide Area Network infrastructure). In the evaluation process the district will evaluate and recommend a communication system that is modern and meets all required needs. An implementation and evaluation process will be incorporated into the system design to ensure a smooth transition.

The ultimate goal of the district is to have a telephone system that meets the needs of all stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, community) at a minimal cost to district taxpayers. Options such as voicemail, call logging, telephone availability in every classroom, and reliable service will be key considerations in the modification of the current district telephone communication system.

//Cellular Telephones//

The district maintains approximately 60 cellular telephones with service through Verizon Wireless. Various administrative staff as well as F&O and technology staff are assigned phones as a real-time communication solution as well as a backup for the traditional district telephone service. The district utilizes cellular phone service, Push To Talk, as well as text messaging to ensure stable district operations.

//2-way Radio System//

The district employees the use of a 2-way radio system. This system serves as a backup to both the traditional telephone service as well as the cellular telephone service. This service was implemented with support of funding by Senator Saland. This system is utilized in the following ways:
 * in-building communications(easily contact nurse, custodian, playground monitor, etc.)
 * school building to district office communication and vice versa(emergency notification, superintendent disaster preparedness)
 * transportation communication and monitoring (incorporates transportation radio frequencies)
 * superintendent to superintendent (high-level administrative communication)

//Public Address Systems//

Each school building in the district also has a public address system to facilitate communication within the building. FDR High School and Violet Avenue Elementary School received new building PA systems in the 2005-2006 school year. North Park Elementary School and Netherwood Elementary School received new PA systems in the 2006-2007 school year. Violet Avenue Elementary School, Netherwood Elementary School and Haviland Middle School also received PA systems for use in either their auditorium or cafeteria spaces.

The PA system at FDR High School includes a telephone in each classroom to provide teachers with a way of communicating with the main office. A speaker is also present in each classroom and in common areas to allow for public communication. The PA system does not interface with the district phone system and does not have the capability of calling for emergency services outside of the main office should a serious problem arise.

//Network Printers / Copiers//

The school district has made progress in providing adequate printing resources district wide. While the district has centralized on HP laserjet printers for most building applications, it has also added enhanced capability Xerox copiers that have features such as scan to print shop and scan to email in order to provide additional ways to create duplications and electronically formatted documents. The district maintains a print shop responsible for handling a majority of the district copying needs. Print jobs can be submitted via the district mail service or electronically either through email or via any of the district Xerox copiers.

//Security Camera / Card Access System//

In 2008-2009 the school district began implementation of a new security camera / card access system as part of a capital project. This system is designed to better monitor the various building properties and ensure the safety of all who visit the school district grounds. The card access system provides a digital way to provide staff with appropriate building access and log all authorized/unauthorized access attempts.

//District Website//

The district currently maintains a website to provide information on the World Wide Web. The district website is composed of a main site which provides information such as email registration for the district notification system, district calendar, Board of Education resources, etc. Individual school building sites are located under the main district site and content is determined by building staff. The information found on these pages is updated by district staff assigned to the role of webmasters who are paid a yearly stipend.

//Teacher / Organization Websites//

The district subscribes to an online web page service called MyTeacherPages.com that allows faculty and staff to maintain their own web pages. Teachers are encouraged to utilize this service to provide information about their class and to better communicate with students and parents. School supported organizations such as sporting teams also maintain web pages through this service.

//Network Security// As stated in the district commitments, the Hyde Park Central School District places a great deal of emphasis on a safe and secure learning environment. Technology is no exception. The district works side by side with Dutchess Boces and it’s consultants to ensure that the security of the district network and data is maintained at the highest possible levels.


 * Internet Filter** - The Hyde Park Central School district is part of a Boces Coser (cooperative service) to provide internet filtering. Dutchess Boces has partnered with 8e6 Technologies to provide a filtering solution for all of its member districts to make sure all districts are CIPA compliant (Children's Internet Protection Act). The 8e6 device provides customized filtering that is flexible to meet the needs of the district and staff. The filtering software is set with three profiles (elementary, middle school, and high school) to provide proper filtering at each developmental level. Since filters are not completely fool-proof, it is important to note that adequate student supervision and structured internet experiences are recommended to prevent access to inappropriate materials. VNC (Virtual Network Computing) software is also used to monitor and filter content on student computers as necessary.


 * Firewall / System Monitoring** - The Hyde Park Central School district currently participates in a Boces Coser (cooperative service) for internet service. As part of this service the school district resides in the Dutchess Boces network, protected by Dutchess Boces firewall. As a safeguard from other districts and from any threats that might bypass Boces, the district maintains a local firewall appliance as well. The firewall appliance serves to block and limit unwanted traffic from entering and leaving the district network. It provides a monitoring layer as well to protect the district network from DOS (Denial of Service) and other attacks prevalent on the internet today. A separate appliance monitors critical equipment on the network and reports unusual activity and equipment problems, should either arise.


 * Acceptable Use Policy** - The Hyde Park Central School District maintains a Board of Education approved Acceptable Use Policy that governs student / staff use of technology related resources. This policy sets the rules for what is approved use of resources and what will result in disciplinary actions. It is designed to allow limited use of resources to build staff comfort and expertise. The acceptable use policy needs to be evaluated and updated yearly to ensure it conforms to any new technology advancements. Please see Appendix C for the current acceptable use and internet safety policies.


 * Antivirus** - The Hyde Park Central School District currently provides antivirus software on all computers via a centralized antivirus server. The antivirus software helps prevent software viruses from harming district equipment and also helps prevent data corruption and / or loss.


 * Deep Freeze** - The Hyde Park Central School District employs a software tool called Deep Freeze to protect district computer resources. Deep Freeze allows a computer to be used and modified but should something happen to the operating system (such as a virus or the deletion of a critical operating system file) a restart is all that is needed to restore the computer to a running state.


 * VNC** - This technology stands for Virtual Network Computing. It allows the technical services department and designated building staff to monitor and control computer workstations remotely. This helps provide remote workstation support as well as serving as a remote student supervisory tool.


 * Novell** - The Hyde Park Central School District uses Novell as its underlying network operating system. Novell provides the username and password security for each account on the network, and allows resources to be managed and secured as necessary. Students from grade 3 up have individual accounts on the Novell system that provide them access to building resources as well as a secure home directory. Each student has a username that is composed of their first and last name. Students are assigned passwords for network use and encouraged not to share their account information with anyone else.


 * Passwords** - The Hyde Park Central School District issues a password with each account created in the system. As a security enhancement, the district will evaluate the possibility of using expiring passwords to force students and staff to change their password periodically. This feature is used more frequently in the business world, but may be a beneficial step to prevent unwanted account access and enhance protection from identity theft.

=B. Technology Requirements=

Description and inventory of the hardware, software, network infrastructure, telecommunications, and other services that will need to be acquired to improve instruction and student learning
 * Universal building wireless access to support the newest technologies, most of which are wireless-enabled.
 * Study and possible implementation of a one-to-one initiative, where all students and staff would be provided with technology capable of supporting learning in and out of the classroom
 * Interactive white boards and ceiling mounted projectors to outfit every district classroom in order to provide collaborative learning environments for all students and staff
 * Interactive assessment technology such as SMART Senteo systems for each classroom to help staff assess student learning and gather data to inform instruction
 * Hardware and Software to support remote access for all students and staff to instructional content and home directories.
 * Unified telephone system that utilizes the district data network to save money while providing modern telecommunications capabilities in every classroom
 * Distance learning video conferencing systems to allow buildings/classrooms to connect with other institutions worldwide

=C. Upgrade Structure= Plans for continuous technology upgrades =D. Description of Technical Support= = =
 * Server equipment are replaced every 5 years using state-aided hardware funds and/or BOCES Cosers
 * Desktop and laptop computers are replaced every 5-7 years using state-aided hardware funds and/or BOCES Cosers. The district will strive for a 15-20% replacement yearly in order to balance funding over multiple years. The district will utilize lease purchases or other methods if they will provide a better return on investment.
 * 2-way radios are a responsibility of each school building, and need to be replaced when they no longer function.
 * Cellular telephones through Verizon wireless are eligible for replacement every 10 months. In most cases, free or low cost replacements are available.
 * Digital projectors will be replaced on a per-failure basis. Projector bulbs are a building computer supply. Adequate funding will be budgeted yearly for some replacement equipment.
 * Laserjet printers are replaced on a per-failure basis. Toner cartridges are a building computer supply. Adequate funding will be budgeted yearly for some replacement equipment.
 * Interactive whiteboards are a popular, yet expensive item. Adequate funding will be set aside yearly for new installations as well as repair/replacement units.
 * 1) Coordinator of Technology and Training
 * responsible for managing day-to-day technical operations of the school district
 * responsible for NYS data reporting
 * manages the district library media specialists
 * manages technical services staff
 * oversees operation of the district print shop and all district copiers
 * responsible for arranging / providing technology professional development
 * responsible for creation of a technology skills continuum
 * responsible for technology plan
 * 1) Network Technicians
 * responsible for handling most technology problems, issues, and questions
 * responsible for data backup and recovery
 * responsible for network maintenance and repair
 * responsible for desktop / laptop rollout including software imaging and configuration
 * provide basic software support for all district departments
 * 1) BOCES Shared Staff Technician
 * functions as a network technician
 * limited availability (3 days per week)
 * provided through BOCES Coser
 * 1) Printshop Operator
 * provides centralized printing/copying services district-wide
 * maintains print shop including record keeping
 * scans documents for printing and electronic storage
 * maintains district copier equipment (calls support services when necessary)
 * 1) Library Media Specialists
 * help integrate technology in each building
 * provide basic technology support
 * maintain technology resources for staff use building-wide
 * provide instruction on information literacy and internet safety
 * maintain a variety of technology and media resources for staff and students
 * 1) Dutchess County BOCES
 * manages district and county-wide network
 * provides internet filtering
 * provides support for "core" network problems
 * provides a variety of Coser based services to various districts
 * 1) Consultant
 * provides direct and indirect technical support to Dutchess BOCES and district
 * provides higher-level support for critical technology issues (such as routing issues, server failures, etc.)
 * acts as a security checkpoint for data that traverses between districts and the world
 * 1) Micro-Computer Repair
 * Dutchess BOCES Coser Service
 * Provides repair services for out of warranty technology devices
 * Provides cleaning services for district server closets
 * District network technicians responsible for escalating repairs to MCR when "higher-level" service is needed

=E. Increase Access= Strategies to increase access to technology for all students and teachers include the following:
 * Replacing computer equipment in labs and rolling older equipment out to classrooms as student workstations
 * Identifying lower-cost solutions for different subject areas in order to more adequately provide technology support
 * Investigate the feasibility of a one-to-one technology initiative, including equipment specification
 * Investigate the feasibility of providing technology and network connections to less fortunate families
 * Implement a better system to control inventory and support students needing assistive technologies
 * Investigate the feasibility of using volunteers to keep computer labs open in the evenings and on weekends for students, teachers, and community members