Present: K. Powell, S. Heinrich, W. Morrison, C. Morrison, T. Koenig, School Board Liaison P. McGrath
Guests: Technology Committee Members: M. Shevenell (Business Administrator) , T. Tsoukalas (System Coordinator),
D. St. Jean (Director Special Education), M. Merrifield (MHS Computer Specialist), P. Tinker (Director Media Services),
R. Zampieri (MHS Vice Principal), and T. Weyman (MES Librarian). Member of the Public Linda Frazier.
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM by W. Morrison.
W. Morrison turned the meeting over to M. Shevenell who introduced the members of the Technology Committee present. M. Shevenell gave a brief overview of the technology currently being used by the district as well as an overview of the Technology Committee "Vision for the Merrimack School District." The district network is currently Windows 2000 with a capability of serving 1,500 computers. The district currently has over 1,000 computers in use: MHS - 400, MMS - 300, Elementary - 400. He indicated that staff to serve the district computer needs is now the biggest Technology Committee concern. The Technology Committee has put together a proposed staffing plan that they want to start implementing in September, 2003. As a result, the thrust of the Technology Committee budget requests will be for staff in 2003-04 and training in 2004-05. The Committee is most concerned that a System Administrator be hired.
C. Morrison suggested also including computer technicians in 2003-04. S. Heinrich agreed suggesting a minimum of two technicians. W. Morrison stated he felt that one technician plus the System Administrator might be sufficient. K. Powell suggested that possibly college interns could be used as technicians as part of their course work. P. McGrath requested the committee compile a log of requests for computer repair, training and general computer assistance. M. Merrifield noted that Dorinda Gibney (Elementary/Middle School Specialist) is currently keeping such a log and that he has "To Do" lists that he could use to put together a log of past activity. K. Powell asked about the cost of software and was told the district gets education licenses. L. Frazier asked about a standardized platform for computer hardware and software pricing and about possibly using a third party administrator or technicians.
P. Tinker told the committee that, under the "No Child Left Behind" legislation, all technology plans expired in June 2002 so the Technology Committee was currently re-working and updating the district Technology Plan. T. Koenig asked how this was being done. P. Tinker told the committee that the committee is revising the plan according to the new regulations.
P. Tinker noted that when the plan is updated the training component that the committee will ask to have funded in 2003-04 will be better defined. T. Koenig asked if this meant a two year hiatus on hardware. M. Shevenell noted that the 2001-02 surplus had purchased most of the hardware that had been planned for.
L. Frazier asked the committee to consider the "Return On Investment" relative to the need for and number of computer technicians the district might hire. T. Koenig also noted that the district will need to consider the impact on the personnel section of the budget. There may be a need to reduce any negative public relations. He stated the district needs to look at computer utilization, computer applications and student computer usage and be able to justify the cost of technicians by either getting more work done or by reduction of costs.
M. Shevenell thanked the Planning and Building Committee for their comments and input.
The committee discussed meeting dates and determined the next meeting would be November 25, 2002 at 7 PM in the high school conference room. At that meeting, they will set a meeting schedule through spring elections.
M. Shevenell gave each committee member copies of the updated Space Utilization Inventories for each school. He noted that the population projection data is not finalized yet but should be available for the next meeting.
W. Morrison noted that members had received minutes for twelve meetings that need to be approved. He requested that all members read the minutes for any corrections so that all minutes could be approved at the next meeting. He noted, that he hoped once this was done, he could bring the committee website up to date as it was currently extremely outdated as well as not fully accurate.
On a motion from S. Heinrich, seconded by C. Morrison, the committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:10 P.M.
Last Updated: April 10, 2003 by Wayne Morrison