TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Board of Education of

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Board of Education of Wicomico County
MEETING
9
May 27, 2010
Attendance
Joe Benamati, Bill Cain, Chris Cuppett, Carl Dragwa, Brian Foret, Susan Jones,
Scott Keasey, Carla Lewis, Ruth Malone, Donna Matteson, Kim Miles, Mark Miller,
Ian Robertson, Donna Savko, Lynn Twilley
The meeting began at 8:30 a.m.
Computerworld Article on Gmail from Dr. Fredericksen – Bill Cain
o Bill spoke on this article that he received from Dr. Fredericksen.
o Donna stated that we do not pay an additional fee for GroupWise. There would not be
any cost savings if we were to drop GroupWise. Brief discussion followed
o Carl spoke about Google Apps for Education.
 Brian asked Donna to check with Prince George’s County about Google Apps.
Document Images on our Copier Hard Drives – Carl Dragwa/Scott Keasey
o Carl stated that this concern was addressed by an email from Mark Miller which
included an attachment of Canon’s security procedures.
o Scott stated that this concern originated from a recent television news story regarding
the risks involved with storage on disk drives of copiers.
o Discussion followed on removing hard drives from copies.
o Mark stated this affects mostly less sophisticated smaller sized copiers. It does not
affect larger sizes where files are encrypted.
o Currently disposed copiers are sent to be shredded. We would not want to auction of
this type of equipment due to these concerns.
o Mark is satisfied with Canon’s response.
JMB Student Purchase Status – Mark Miller
o Purchasing 15 carts with 16 laptops per cart.
o Mark is receiving many repeat inquiries about printers and scanners for individual
classrooms. These are not provided as part of the FFE project. Copiers/printers are in
each of the planning areas – 11 copiers in the building.
 These requests/concerns should be directed to Steve Grudis.
o All staff will be receiving new desktops or laptops with the exception of administration
which will be swapped out over the summer.
o Donna – computer installation is progressing well.
o Carl – labs will come with a printer; Bryan Ashby has handled.
o Brian shared that the moving company chosen has gone out of business. Currently
looking at second and third tier moving companies. Not anticipating any impact at this
point.
o Carl asked about the status of the slate and response kits. Would like these items
available in September.
 Mark – they have not been ordered. Discussion followed on Mark’s concern of
using bond funds for these purchases.
 Carl to provide list again to Mark.
o Mark - document cameras have been ordered.
o Donna asked about the Turning Point voting system. Discussion followed on uses.
 Brian asked about inventory, discussion followed
 Brian asked Donna to collect this information for inventory over the summer.
FY 2011 Lease Funds – Mark Miller
o Mark stated that we will be receiving significant less funding.
o Brian - as part of the budget process funding has been significantly cut. We have
proposed to utilize the existing inventory of laptop carts and pc units from JMB along
with purchasing 170-200 new additional units with funds available. This should get us
through next year.
o Carl stated for the record that this will be a severe impact on technology in this county.
It will put us back.
o Delmar and Mardela will no longer be on the list for SMART boards. Discussion
followed.
 Brian – information needs to be shared with these schools by Margo
 Bill asked Susan and Kim to discuss with Margo.
 Carl to send list of schools affected to Kim and Susan.
 Ruth commented that the schools understand these decisions.
o Bill spoke about funding as discussed at the County Council meeting.
o Carl asked if we should reconsider donations from the state. Discussion followed
 Brian - we will need to set standards for any donations
o Bill gave clarification on the MOE waiver of $1.5 million. We will be receiving less
money from the state due to enrollment numbers and the free and reduced lunch
program being down. A letter has been prepared and is being sent to the county for
clarification.
FY 2010 Lease Funds – Mark Miller
o A small amount is remaining. We will be purchasing Turning Point clickers and
possibly a couple more laptops. Remainder will be applied to principal.
o Donna stated that batteries are dying in ACER laptops. Will look at replacement
batteries.
o Carl – would like to provide laptops for new LTT’s - 75 additional teachers
o Brian – a few JMB teachers have expressed concern about classroom computers not
being moved to the new school.
 Kim – there has been some discussion about tagging equipment
 Brian – laptop carts will be available
 Kim – staff needs to speak to Steve Grudis, discussion followed
 Kim will discuss concern with Steve.
Future of Whiteboard Project – Carl Dragwa
o This item was discussed with the interactive white boards.
o Brian asked if these would be needed for the tech bundles.
o Carl stated that about 20 tech bundles will be reallocated.
Support Procedure for the SMART Boards at JMB – Carl Dragwa
o Carl is concerned that the SMART Boards are not being supported in a timely manner.
Some boards are not being checked to ensure functionality after installation.
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o Boards were installed by Whiting-Turner and Baltimore Sound. Discussion followed on
installation process.
 Ian stated that we need an install check list.
 Brian is interested in speaking with the rep from Daily regarding this concern.
 Mark stated that there is a new SMART provider in the area – Kunz Visual Sound.
Could be a possible option for different provider.
o Carl stated that we need to have projector replacements on hand.
 Brian – we are planning to have spares available and will ensure we have enough
o Carla stated that a ½ day of training is scheduled for staff the last week of school. She
asked about the schedule for the training.
 Kim will check with Steve Grudis about the schedule and let Carla know;
anticipating that staff will be trained in thirds.
Software Program Requests – Carl Dragwa
o Concern with deep freeze procedure for staff.
o Donna – we will not use deep freeze for staff due to many variables with instruction.
o Brian - we will recommend that staff save to the network or a flash drive. This will allow
flexibility with swapping out laptops when necessary.
o Joe – need to teach staff the briefcase function of Windows
o Donna – question on approvals for software. Discussion followed
o Donna spoke about software list concerns.
Laptops: Summer Check-In Memo – Donna Matteson
o Brian – A memo is being prepared to principals in every school instructing staff to turn
in computers for reimaging over the summer.
o There will be a sign off process
o Discussion followed on process for reimaging and the inventory process.
o Carl spoke about the return process on the tech bundles. Discussion followed
o It was decided that Carl’s office will handle the tech bundles.
Miscellaneous
o Joe requested Board Maker and Kurzweil software be added to computers for access
by students.
 Donna will check to see if we have the software. Joe will provide if she does not
have.
o Ruth is planning training for X2 and IFAS in conjunction with the Leadership Academy.
This will take place in the media center at North Salisbury the afternoon of July 20 and
July 21.
 Donna will assist with allowing software access to these computers.
o Bill stated that if any problems are encountered regarding Bennett to be certain to notify
himself, Dr. Handy, Kim Miles and Steve Grudis immediately.
Adjournment
o Meeting ended at 10:10 a.m.
o Next meeting: June 17, 2010 ~ 8:30–11:30 a.m. – Central Office Media Center
6/7/10
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