West Mifflin Area School District Technology Department Strategic Plan 2013-2016

West Mifflin Area School District Technology Department Strategic Plan 2013-2016

Table of Contents 1. Planning Process Overview... 2 2. Membership List... 2 3. Mission... 3 4. Technology Analysis... 3 5. Goals and Strategies... 6 6. Yearly Activities and Budget... 11 2013-2014... 11 2014-2015... 13 2015-2016... 15 1

1. Planning Process Overview The West Mifflin Area School District has had ongoing Technology Plans for more than a decade. Until 2013, Technology Plans were mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. New guidelines by PDE no longer require Technology Plan be included with a District s Strategic Plan. However, the West Mifflin Area School District Technology Department feels that it is crucial to maintain an ongoing Technology Plan that defines the strategic mission, goals, activities and budget for the next 3 years as it relates to Information Technology and Educational Technology initiatives. The Technology Committee is comprised of volunteers from a body of stake holders that were asked to serve on this committee. Stake holders invited to serve on the committee are: Elementary, Middle and Secondary Teachers, Librarians, Community Members, Parents, Principals, School Board Members and Administrators. The Director of Technology oversees the committee and provides statistical and other pertinent information. The Committee meets on several occasions to review information and develop the initial plan. The committee will meet at least annually to review and evaluate the Technology Plan. 2. Membership List Name Joel Tachoir Anita Smith Patty King Kevin Kocher Karen Truax Dan McDonald Brian Getz Jerry Lehberger Role/Organization Director of Technology Elementary Teacher High School Librarian Middle School Teacher Elementary Teacher School Board Member Technician Network Administrator 2

3. Mission The mission of the WMASD Technology Department is to provide top quality resources and support to Staff and Students allowing an efficient and productive atmosphere for 21 st Century Learning. 4. Technology Analysis Current Technology The West Mifflin Area School District currently has 3 Elementary Schools, 1 Middle School, 1 High School, an Administrative Building and 2 Athletic Complexes that all contain highly sophisticated Technology Systems. These technology systems require continual maintenance, support and ongoing training for staff. Clara Barton and Emerson Elementary Schools each have one large computer lab, while Homeville Elementary having two labs. All Elementary Schools have a mini lab of computers located in the Library designated for research and providing access to Library Media Services. The vast majority of Elementary Classrooms are outfitted with Interactive Whiteboard Technology and ceiling mounted projectors. Each Elementary School utilizes several software packages as part of the elementary curriculum. These software packages are reviewed annually. The current software in use at the Elementary Level is Essential Skills, Study Island and Espresso Elementary. The Middle school is a brand new building that consists of several key 21 st century technology resources. The Middle School houses 5 mobile ipad carts each consisting of 30 ipads, 8 laptop carts each consisting of 30 laptops, a single stationary computer lab and a mini lab of computers located in the Library designated for research and providing access to Library Media Services. Each Middle School Classroom is outfitted with Interactive Whiteboard Technology, a ceiling mounted projector, built in Audio Amplification Systems and a Document Camera. Software packages utilized at the Middle School are: Study Island, LAN School (Teacher control of student computers), Solid Works (Drafting) and various educational IPad apps. The High School houses 13 laptop carts each consisting of 30 laptops, 4 Business Computer Labs, a Graphics art Lab, CAD Lab, Robotics lab, Music Lab and a Computer Lab in the Library designated for research and providing access to Library Media Services. The majority of High School Classrooms are outfitted with Interactive Whiteboard Technology and ceiling mounted projectors. The High School uses numerous software packages across all departments to infuse technology into the curriculum. The West Mifflin Area School District Infrastructure consists of several thousand network connections both wired and wireless across all locations. All Local area networks are connected via the District s Fiber Optic WAN consisting of speeds at 1Gbps and above. The District s Internet connection is 20 Mbps provided as part of the Allegheny Connect Network. This network also connects the West Mifflin Area School District to Internet 2 and PAIUnet. The District currently manages over 2,000 client end points consisting of Desktops, Laptops and Tablets. The current Technology Inventory consists of over 4,000 pieces of equipment and over 125 software titles. The District has Wireless Internet Access throughout all locations and are currently utilizing centrally located shared printing services. The Technology Staff currently consists of a Director of Technology, a Network Administrator and 1 ½ Desktop Technicians. Former Technology Integration positions have all been dissolved due to lack in funding. The strengths of the Technology Services at the West Mifflin Area School District rely in the Infrastructure and Basic Systems as a whole. Most systems are less than 5 years old and unplanned system outages are a rare occurrence due to the Virtual Server redundancies and network 3

monitoring/redundancies also in place. The weaknesses of the Technology Services at the West Mifflin Area School District are in the support, training and Educational Integration areas. Due to lack in funding over the last several years, the vast majority of the Technology Support Staff have been eliminated. This includes all of the Educational Technology Integration positions and 2/3 of the Technical Support Staff that once existed. The results of these cuts are an extended wait time for tech support and a lack of new Technology Integration support systems, such as a shared resources pool, one on one how to times and the lack of the promotion of current systems. There are also several key systems that were put into place over the last several years in hopes that they would be used to increase student interest, student learning and administrative efficiency. However, some of these systems are rarely utilized due to the lack in time, training and support. Needs Assessment Through feedback of the staff and Administrative Planning Discussions, the West Mifflin Area School District realizes that the top priority for future Technology Services are providing better and more available Technology Integration Strategies, Trainings, Personnel Support and Shared Resources. The district will focus strongly on re-implementing an Administrative position responsible for the improvement of Teaching and Learning using 21 st Century Skills. Some of this position s major responsibilities would be the coordination of professional development, curriculum mapping, the implementation of a shared resources pool for teachers, working one on one with teachers on how to transform current lessons into 21st century lessons and implement mentoring programs throughout the District. The District plans to increase the Technology Support Staff in order to maintain and implement the ever increasing technology hardware, software, infrastructure, etc as well. Currently basic technology support response takes over a week and new technology implementation takes at least 6 months. The District will look into implementing a Learning Management System Coordinator type position that would be responsible for providing an in-house Learning Management System utilized by Educational Staff. An additional Full Time Desktop Technician will be considered as well. We currently only have one full time Desktop Technician and one part time Desktop Technician that is responsible for the repair and maintenance of over 2,000 clients across 8 locations. The district will address software needs, on an annual basis, by replacing and updating Legacy Software with more up to date and Cloud Based solutions. The District has also recognized that online assessment and classroom tools, such as 4sight, CDT, etc are valuable tools and will need to be expanded and integrated into existing data analysis tools. The district will continue to use and plans to expand the usage of the Power School Student Information System and the Inform Testing Analysis software. These software systems provide both basic and high level analysis of student and teacher data. The district will continue the replacement of computers and servers an annual basis, however increased funding is necessary as the number of computers added to the district over the last several years has increased significantly. Computers are replaced no earlier than every 5 years and Servers are replaced no earlier than every 4 years. The local area network equipment will likely need replaced in order to provide reliable network operations and to aid in the improvement of student learning. The Fiber Optic WAN service Lease has been extended through 2019 and will provide reliable communications between various district locations. The District s Internet connection agreement, currently provided by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, will expire in 2014. The district will need to review options for Internet Service and connection to the AIU RWAN/PAIUnet at that time. 4

Finally, the district will continue to participate in the Federal Erate Program which provides generous discounts for Telecommunication and Internet Services. As part of the Erate requirements, the district will provide a student internet safety instruction program to all students. Budget Analysis As shown below, the non Personnel Costs in the Technology Department have declined for several years. The 2013-2014 Technology Purchases will be funded as part of a Capital Project Program and are not reflected in the operating budget. As mentioned above, the District will need to significantly increase non personnel budget amounts if computer/server replacements are expected to maintain the 5/6 year replacement cycle and a reliable infrastructure is desired. WMASD Technology Budget Comparison 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 Total $747,600.00 $847,000.00 $832,000.00 $817,472.00 Non Personnel Costs $449,000.00 $521,000.00 $443,000.00 $437,500.00 Salaries & Benefits $298,600.00 $326,000.00 $389,000.00 $379,972.00 $900,000.00 $800,000.00 $700,000.00 $600,000.00 $500,000.00 $400,000.00 $300,000.00 Non Personnel Costs Salaries & Benefits Total $200,000.00 $100,000.00 $0.00 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 5

5. Goals and Strategies Goal The District will enhance student learning and provide a more engaging and relevant experience for students. Strategy The District will utilize cutting edge educational techniques by adapting and evolving with the ever-changing methodology. Activities Implement VDI Infrastructure as desktop replacement (initially replacing all Library Desktops, HS Shared & Business Labs, HM & CB Labs) (2013-2014) Replace HS Graphics lab and upgrade Video Editing O.S.s (2013-2014) Review/Upgrade Elementary Technology Resources (2014-2015) Replace Emerson and Homeville 2 nd Floor Lab with Zero Client VDI Endpoints (2014-2015) Replace HS Laptop Carts with Mobile Technology (2014-2015) Implement Elementary Technology Curriculum (2015-2016) Replace disparate desktops and laptops with Zero Client VDI Endpoints (2015-2016) Replace MS Graphics Lab Computers (2015-2016) Review and extend the Technology Strategic Plan (2015-2016) Ongoing staff development on 21 st Century Teaching and Learning methods (Yearly) Upgrade Teacher Laptops (Yearly) Review/Upgrade Educational Software (Yearly) Strategy The Staff will share and utilize proven and effective lessons, techniques and resources. Activities Implement a central resource center for teachers to share resources (2014-2015) Implement a Learning Management Coordinator (2014-2015) Maintain the Information Services Media Resources (Yearly) Investigate grants from different foundations to create partnership opportunities (Yearly) Maintain vbrick system to share video content (Yearly) 6

Strategy The District will use innovative strategies to meet curricular needs that overcome geographical barriers. Activities *Implement a Learning Management Coordinator (2014-2015) Maintain the equipment & software for the Cyber Academy (Yearly) Maintain an on-line curriculum to be used for the Cyber Academy, enrichment, remediation and other activities (Yearly) 7

Goal The management and administration of the District will be highly efficient and effective. Strategy The District will make frequent and regular use of technology to manage and disperse information in the most efficient way. Activities Review/adjust Document Management & Electronic Records Procedures (2013-2014) Update domain registration (2013-2014) Implement District Wide Digital Signage (2014-2015) Replace Network/Server UPS and/or batteries (2015-2016) Replace Network Switches (2015-2016) Maintain automated phone calling system to contact parents & staff (Yearly) Review and Maintain District Website (Yearly) Maintain training for all Office Staff on basic office technologies (Yearly) Strategy The Technology Systems and Procedures will be expanded and/or updated to efficiently maintain electronic records and other data. Activities Implement dedicated cooling system for Server Room (2013-2014) Increase Student Information Committee Participation and Documentation (2013-2014) Replace Virtual Server Hosts X3 (2015-2016) Maintain Student Management System (Yearly) Maintain Document Management System (Yearly) Maintain Financial Management System (Yearly) Maintain Library Information Management System (Yearly) Maintain Food Service Management System (Yearly) Maintain Maintenance Department Support and Management System (Yearly) Maintain Support and Maintenance on all Infrastructure Components such as Servers, Data and Communication Equipment, etc (Yearly) Ongoing Staff Development on the Student Management System (Yearly) Continue Student Information Committee meetings and documentation (Yearly) 8

Strategy The technical support and resource requests will be completed in an efficient manner. Activities Add or Augment IT Support Staff (2013-2014) Define clear procedures for management of Audio Video Equipment (2014-2015) Maintain the IT Department Standard Operating Procedures (Yearly) Continue Use of the IT Helpdesk software (Yearly) 9

Goal The District will promote a safe, secure and positive Environment. Strategy The District will provide network and client security components on all systems. Activities Implement a Next Generation Firewall (2013-2014) Maintain Firewall (Yearly) Maintain SPAM, Internet Filter & Email Archiving Systems (Yearly) Maintain active Anti-virus subscription (Yearly) Strategy The Technology Department will work with other departments to ensure all non-technology based Security Systems and Procedures function as desired. Activities Review new and ongoing requirements for 3 rd party security systems as they apply to the computer network. (Yearly) Maintain Support Agreements required for 3 rd party security systems (Yearly) 10

6. Yearly Activities and Budget 2013-2014 Plan Estimated Cost Recurring charge Implement VDI Infrastructure as desktop replacement (initially replacing all Library Desktops, HS Shared & Business Labs, HM & CB Labs) $175,000 $7,000/yr Replace HS Graphics lab and upgrade Video Editing O.S.s Review/adjust Document Management & Electronic Records Procedures $27,000 Update domain registration $250 Implement dedicated cooling system for Server Room Increase Student Information Committee Participation and Documentation $10,000 Add or Augment IT Support Staff $70,000 $70,000/yr Implement a Next Generation Firewall $16,000 **Yearly -------------------- -------------------- Ongoing staff development on 21 st Century Teaching and Learning methods $15,000 Upgrade Teacher Laptops $9,000 Review/Upgrade Educational Software Maintain the Information Services Media Resources Investigate grants from different foundations to create partnership opportunities Maintain vbrick system to share video content Maintain the equipment & software for the Cyber Academy Maintain an on-line curriculum to be used for the Cyber Academy, enrichment, remediation and other activities Maintain automated phone calling system to contact parents & staff Review and Maintain District Website Maintain training for all Office Staff on basic office technologies $10,000/yr $9,000/yr 11

Maintain Student Management System Maintain Document Management System Maintain Financial Management System Maintain Library Information Management System Maintain Food Service Management System Maintain Maintenance Department Support and Management System Maintain Support and Maintenance on all Infrastructure Components such as Servers, Data and Communication Equipment, etc Ongoing Staff Development on the Student Management System Continue Student Information Committee meetings and documentation Maintain the IT Department Standard Operating Procedures Continue Use of the IT Helpdesk software Maintain Firewall Maintain SPAM, Internet Filter & Email Archiving Systems Maintain active Anti-virus subscription $15,000/yr $15,000/yr $12,000/yr $8,000/yr $2,000/yr $4,000/yr $3,000/yr $7,000/yr $9,000/yr Review new and ongoing requirements for 3 rd party security systems as they apply to the computer network Maintain Support Agreements required for 3 rd party security systems 12

2014-2015 Plan Estimated Cost Recurring charge Review/Upgrade Elementary Technology Resources $60,000 Replace Emerson and Homeville 2 nd Floor Lab with Zero Client VDI Endpoints Replace HS Laptop Carts with Mobile Technology Implement a central resource center for teachers to share resources Implement a Learning Management Coordinator $30,000 $125,000 $9,000 $95,000 $95,000/yr Implement District Wide Digital Signage $9,000 $2,000/yr Define clear procedures for management of Audio Video Equipment **Yearly -------------------- -------------------- Ongoing staff development on 21 st Century Teaching and Learning methods $10,000 Upgrade Teacher Laptops $65,000 Review/Upgrade Educational Software Maintain the Information Services Media Resources Investigate grants from different foundations to create partnership opportunities Maintain vbrick system to share video content Maintain the equipment & software for the Cyber Academy Maintain an on-line curriculum to be used for the Cyber Academy, enrichment, remediation and other activities Maintain automated phone calling system to contact parents & staff Review and Maintain District Website Maintain training for all Office Staff on basic office technologies Maintain Student Management System Maintain Document Management System Maintain Financial Management System Maintain Library Information Management System Maintain Food Service Management $10,000/yr $9,000/yr $15,000/yr $15,000/yr $12,000/yr $8,000/yr $2,000/yr 13

System Maintain Maintenance Department Support and Management System Maintain Support and Maintenance on all Infrastructure Components such as Servers, Data and Communication Equipment, etc Ongoing Staff Development on the Student Management System Continue Student Information Committee meetings and documentation Maintain the IT Department Standard Operating Procedures Continue Use of the IT Helpdesk software Maintain Firewall Maintain SPAM, Internet Filter & Email Archiving Systems Maintain active Anti-virus subscription $4,000/yr $3,000/yr $7,000/yr $9,000/yr Review new and ongoing requirements for 3 rd party security systems as they apply to the computer network Maintain Support Agreements required for 3 rd party security systems 14

2015-2016 Plan Estimated Cost Recurring charge Implement Elementary Technology Curriculum $80,000 $80,000/yr Replace disparate desktops and laptops with Zero Client VDI Endpoints $50,000 Replace MS Graphics Lab Computers $20,000 Review and extend the Technology Strategic Plan Replace Network/Server UPS and/or batteries $10,000 Replace Network Switches $150,000 Replace Virtual Server Hosts X3 $25,000 **Yearly -------------------- -------------------- Ongoing staff development on 21 st Century Teaching and Learning methods $5,000 Upgrade Teacher Laptops $65,000 Review/Upgrade Educational Software Maintain the Information Services Media Resources Investigate grants from different foundations to create partnership opportunities Maintain vbrick system to share video content Maintain the equipment & software for the Cyber Academy Maintain an on-line curriculum to be used for the Cyber Academy, enrichment, remediation and other activities Maintain automated phone calling system to contact parents & staff Review and Maintain District Website Maintain training for all Office Staff on basic office technologies Maintain Student Management System Maintain Document Management System Maintain Financial Management System Maintain Library Information Management System Maintain Food Service Management System Maintain Maintenance Department Support $10,000/yr $9,000/yr $15,000/yr $15,000/yr $12,000/yr $8,000/yr $2,000/yr $4,000/yr 15

and Management System Maintain Support and Maintenance on all Infrastructure Components such as Servers, Data and Communication Equipment, etc Ongoing Staff Development on the Student Management System Continue Student Information Committee meetings and documentation Maintain the IT Department Standard Operating Procedures Continue Use of the IT Helpdesk software Maintain Firewall Maintain SPAM, Internet Filter & Email Archiving Systems Maintain active Anti-virus subscription Review new and ongoing requirements for 3 rd party security systems as they apply to the computer network Maintain Support Agreements required for 3 rd party security systems $3,000/yr $7,000/yr $9,000/yr 16