Present: D. Miller, T. Koenig, W. Morrison, S.
Heinrich and members of the Technology Committee: M. Chiafery, S.
Isabelle, P. Tinker, M. Merrifield, L. Sumner, D. Gibney, L.
Dennehy
Excused: M. Morrison
S. Heinrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. He announced that the purpose of the meeting was to obtain information regarding what the technology committee has accomplished over the last year and what is planned for the next year.
M. Chiafery passed out copies of the district computer/technology current inventory and items requested in the 1999-2000 budget. The group made several minor mathematical corrections to the report. M. Chiafery requested that the representative from each school give a brief explanation about the status of technology in their school. Several schools have received donated equipment and/or donated licenses. It was noted that several of the computers which are listed on the inventory are actually not in use. They are used for repair parts. Among the general issues raised were cost for upkeep and repair of current equipment, the need for a coordinated district-wide software plan, ink jet versus laser printers and networking printers.
Discussion turned to the Lucent Technology plan and the impact of the new town cable (Heron) contract on that plan. S. Heinrich indicated that the Lucent plan is too big and too expensive and he was disappointed that Lucent did not cut the plan when requested to do so. W. Morrison told the Technology Committee he wanted them to put together a plan that is affordable and reasonable and will accomplish their goals. There was discussion about funding the network plan as part of operating budget or in a separate special warrant article with the potential for grants, donations and volunteer labor. S. Heinrich suggested that wiring be included in operating budget and equipment be put on a separate warrant article. Mention was also made of an independent consultant or overseer to offer advice and possibly implement the plan as opposed to Lucent Technology. M. Chiafery felt that the district needs to be able to present the technology plan in simplest terms on their own and not through an outside vendor or consultant. There were questions regarding whether Heron is responsible for payment of cabling the schools and/or cabling each classroom. M. Chaifery suggested that the Technology Committee meet with the PBC more often to fine-tune the networking plan. T. Koenig wants to be sure that the plan (including network administrator, rationale behind the plan and the expected outcomes/applications with a timeline) is clarified, simplified and explained in more specific terms. Both M. Chiafery and S. Issabelle mentioned the intent of the district to implement a technology plan in phases. W. Morrison reminded everyone about the interest and help available from the NetDay group. M. Chiafery summed up the meeting by saying that the Technology Committee would go back and work on design as quickly as possible and return to the PBC for comment, advice and other assistance. She also asked if the PBC objected to the district using Lucent in some capacity if the situation warranted it. The concensus seemed to be that this was acceptable, but not probable.
Both committees agreed to meet again to look at revisions to the technology plan. S. Heinrich and M. Chiafery expressed their thanks to both committees for their willingness to meet and work together.
There was no public participation.
The next PBC meeting will be on February 9, 1999.
T. Koenig reminded the committee about a potential press release from the committee regarding the high school addition. He wanted to know if there would or should be anything presented from the PBC at the deliberative session of School District Meeting. There was general discussion about coordinating, timing and content of any PBC presentation/press release.
On a motion from D. Miller, seconded by T. Koenig, the committee voted to adjourn at 9:53 P.M.
/phh
Planning & Building Committee
Merrimack School District
Last Updated: July 11, 1999 by Wayne Morrison