Present: S. Heinrich, C. Morrison, W. Morrison, T. Koenig, School Board liaison P. McGrath and members of the Technology Committee
Excused: M. Morrison

S. Heinrich called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. He explained the purpose of the meeting was to hear from the Technology Committee (TC). Marge Chiafery introduced the members of the TC: Laurel Summer (MMS Librarian), Mark Merrifield (MHS Computer Specialist), Pam Tinker (District Head of Library and Media Services), Dorinda Gibney (R-8 Computer Specialist).

M. Merrifield indicated that the TC is putting together a long term - long range technology plan for district and expects a major expense for technology in the 2000-2001 budget cycle. They are currently going through the current technology plan to check and update as well as look toward future needs. M. Merrifield told the PBC that the TC wanted to work with the PBC to complete that plan update, especially the networking plan. He explained that district wide there are 400 pieces of computer and media hardware that the TC feels are obsolete, unneeded, or unrepairable. They want the PBC to offer suggestions about what to do with these items as the TC feels they are taking up space that could be put to other uses. M. Chiafery explained that each specialist had prepared a flow chart of the equipment under discussion noting all the options that had been considered. The options included Retire (discard), Repurpose, Maintain inventory, Retire and Replace, or Repair. She explained that equipment that had been purchased with federal grant money must be kept for five years.

S. Heinrich asked if the district has a written policy on what to do with obsolete equipment. M. Chiafery indicated that there was no such policy. S. Heinrich asked if any of the equipment was under service agreement. M. Merrifield explained that the district does not purchase service contracts. All equipment only has the original purchase warranty. S. Heinrich asked if any district personnel has been trained as computer technicians. He further asked about the district licenses to use and/or copy software and if there is any software that needs to be replaced with updated versions. D. Gibney explained that within the district the plan has been to repurpose all Apples to the elementary school. However, the district is now looking toward eleminating all Apples in favor of PCs.

Some fo the suggestions for disposal the TC looked into include donations, selling, throwing away. They contacted several area organizations to determine interest. C. Morrison offered to contact Apple about including software. The majority of the PBC felt that a "yard sale" possibly on June 3 was the best solution. M. Chiafery indicated she would go before the School Board and ask permission to sell the 400 items in question at a yard sale. Both committee discussed the logistics of a sale and the PBC offered to help.

M. Chiafery thanked the PBC for meeting with the TC and indicated the TC would like to return when they have updated the Technology Plan.

S. Heinrich reviewed some of the discussion from a recent School Board meeting regarding the school space needs. The committee also received a current status update for the parcels that had been recommended by the PBC 1988 land search.

On a motion from T. Koenig, seconded by W. Morrison, the PBC voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:45 PM.

Last Updated: July 17, 2000 by Wayne Morrison