Phase One of Technology Upgrade Nears Completion
The first phase of a four year initiative to upgrade computer technology in the Huntington School District is nearing completion. The new equipment will be ready for use when classes resume early next month.
"Over the course of the last nine days, the technology staff, in conjunction with the custodial staff, unboxed, installed and tested the new Dell OptiPlex 390 computers," Assistant Superintendent Sam Gergis said last week. The district utilized a New York State contract to purchase 400 Dell computers and 150 Hewlett-Packard printers at reduced rates.
"I am pleased with the fact that such a large undertaking is proceeding smoothly," Superintendent James W. Polansky said. "During a time when technologies change so rapidly, it is important for us to avoid sitting on our heels and to continuously make certain that our hardware and software are appropriately aligned with student learning and assessment needs."
Removal of the old equipment and installation of new computers and printers at Flower Hill, Jefferson, Southdown and Washington Primary Schools is complete. "The technology staff will install the remaining computers and printers at Woodhull Intermediate School beginning this week, after the conclusion of the summer special education program," Mr. Gergis said.
Following installation of the new computers and printers, district technicians began the "imaging" segment of the initiative, which includes the software programs needed for the operation of each of the machines, including the specific software requirements for each building and grade level.
The master image was completed last week. The entire imaging process, including testing, should be finished this week in the four primary buildings and at Woodhull by Monday, August 27. "Due to favorable pricing and timing, the cost for year-one implementation is significantly less than originally anticipated," Mr. Gergis said. "Because the initial delivery arrived early, our own staff was exclusively used to un-box, install and begin imaging the district's new machines."
Following discussions on how to utilize the remaining available funds for the project, district officials decided to place an order with Dell for 130 computers to replace outdated ones at J. Taylor Finley Middle School. An assessment is ongoing to determine Finley's printer needs.