Natick Public Schools Technology Update April 28, 2008 Dennis Roche, CISA Director of Technology

Technology Agenda Topics What is needed today Alternatives to meet our needs Future Needs Recommendations

What is needed Today!!! Upgrade technology tools for all classroom teachers. Upgrade all elementary computer labs. Provide on-going technology training and integration support. Continue to upgrade and maintain technology backend infrastructure to support all the above.

Technology Needs Today NeedEstimated Cost Teacher Laptops (350)$485,000 Elementary Mobile Labs (5)$169,000 Memory Upgrades (350)$35,000 Printer Replacements$54,000 Wiring Closet Devices$249,000 Computer Room Devices$72,000 Total$1,064,000

Alternatives to meeting the needs Lease Buy

Option 1 - Lease

Pros & Cons of Leasing Pros –Accelerate technology getting into the hands of people who need it. Upgrade all classroom teachers and all elementary labs in 1st year! –Allows us to take immediate action. Order now and first payment due in July (Deferred Lease). Cons –Higher cost of ownership - finance charges apply (2.9%) –Requires multi-year commitment - the money for technology replacement needs to remain within the School Department operating budget for Technology each and every year.

Option 2 - Buy

Pros & Cons of Buying Pros –Lowest cost of ownership - no finance charges –Commitments are made annually Cons –Much slower acquisition and adoption of newer technologies. 2 years to upgrade all Classroom Teachers 3 years to upgrade all Elementary Labs –Need to wait until July 1st to execute order and expand rollout to more teachers.

Total Cost of Ownership NeedBuyLeaseVariance Teacher Laptops $510,295$537,390$27,095 Elementary Mobile Labs $178,118$187,974$ 9,856 Totals$688,413$725,364$36,951 All amounts are amortized over an estimated five year life cycle

Recommendations Recommend we take an aggressive approach and lease computers to accelerate replacement. Recommend 3 year Deferred Equity Lease. –Own the equipment after 3rd annual payment –Avoid backend charges and surprises at end of lease. –Leaves us options to trade-in equipment, keep it, or start a new lease.

Action Already Taken Testing new laptops and new software configuration with three teachers from each level (Elementary, Middle and High School) Company lined up to help install our software image, inventory and warehouse all laptops prior to rollout. Master Lease agreement under review of Business Manager and Town Counsel. Inventory of existing computer equipment currently being verified. Central Office, Principals, Teachers and Teachers Union involved in the planning process.

Next Steps Expand testing to Teachers before end of school year. Update Acceptable Use Policy Recruit and hire a Technology Trainer Schedule faculty training and rollout of laptops over the summer Continue to pursue alternative sources of funding for Technology

DOE Recommendation for Technology Funding Levels of ProgressBudget Allocated for Technology (Total Cost of Ownership) Natick Early TechLess than $ 175 per studentFY08 - $140 Developing TechBetween $175 - $300 per studentFY09 - $228 Proficient TechBetween $300 - $425 per student Advanced Tech$425 or more per student

Future Needs New Curriculum Software More Interactive White Boards Expansion of Wireless Technology Higher demand for Technology Training of the Faculty and Staff

Key Benefits Encourages more collaboration between faculty and technology staff. (K12) Gets teachers exploring tools needed for tomorrow not just today. (K12) Enhanced teacher/student flexibility and creativity within the classroom. (K12) Standardized devices for all classroom teachers for use at school and home. (K12) Improved access to all school technology. (K12) Eliminate our unsupported platform issues (OS9) in one year. (Elementary)

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