Improvements and Additions to Technology
June 2007 Release of Funds

Wireless Networks at All Schools
District schools need more computer labs but don’t have rooms in which to place them. This item would create a wireless network or "wifi" at 21 district schools. (Downs Elementary, Harvest Hills Elementary, Lake Park Elementary, Overholser Elementary and Western Oaks Middle School are already wireless.) Paired with laptop computers -- this bond proposal also calls for 25 additional laptop computers for each school in 2010 -- a wireless network turns student desks, library tables or any spot in the school into a computer lab. Learning with educational technology becomes anytime, anywhere.

In addition, a wireless network and laptops enables the district to meet the upcoming demands of state testing. State-mandated tests will increasingly be moving online, which means schools must have enough Internet-connected computers to accommodate the students who need to take the test within the timeframe the state allows.

Server Refresh
A server is the brains of a computer network, proving storage, processing information, connecting information, people, processes, computers and other devices. All communication over a network is driven by servers, including e-mail, internet access and much more. Servers are the behind-the-scenes heart of technology, facilitating teaching and learning for every student and staff member on a daily basis. This proposal calls for regular replacement of older models of servers. Replacement will bring improvements in support time required for troubleshooting and repair of networks and increased stability and reliability of networks.

Printer Refresh
Schools must have printers for instructional and administrative needs. This proposal calls replacing obsolete and broken printers. Staff at each school would assess needs in their building. The initiative would affect students and staff in every school.

Computer Refresh
Computers have a life cycle of three to five years. This proposal calls for regular replacement of older models of computers in classrooms and offices across the district so that students and staff will retain the ability to quickly use existing and new applications. Students use computers for research, preparing assignments and learning new applications.

Storage Area Network
In years past the district has purchased self-contained servers to have the storage that houses applications and data. A Storage Area Network (SAN) will give the District a large storage array that is accessible by all servers. This will lessen (but not eliminate) the need for self-contained servers, reducing future server purchases. The new SAN system will also upgrade an existing SAN that is used for backing up district data.

Virtual Servers
Virtual server software will allow district applications and data to be run on multiple servers. If a single server fails, the application and data will still be accessible from the other servers that make up the virtual server. This approach is more efficient for the district because the data can be stored in bigger, easier-to manage machines rather than many small servers, meaning district technicians won’t have to maintain as many machines.

Library Management System
With these funds, the district would purchase a browser-based library management software known as DestinyLibrary Management. Destiny offers easy web access to any school's library media center's collection across an entire school district. Since Destiny is a web-based product, teachers and students can access the program from any networked computer in the school during the school day or by students and parents from home via the Internet.

Library Furniture
Library shelving should last a long time, which is precisely what's happened in many Putnam City schools. Many of our current students are using the same library furniture that might have been used by their parents and grandparents. Shelves have been in use for more than 60 years in some schools and been repaired many times. Some must be replaced before it becomes a safety concern.