Carlynton considers options for outdated internet access
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Connecting to the internet or sending an email is as easy as a click of a button.
Joshua Jones, Carlynton’s supervisor of information technology, would like to keep it that way throughout the district. Jones informed school board members that the district’s computerized system is working well, but that it’s main infrastructure is well past its prime years.
District officials will have a few decisions to make regarding the core switch of the computer system. Carlytnon has secured more than $25,000 in reimbursement from the E-rate program for the core project and access points.
Jones said the main focus would be replacing the core switch, which received a reimbursement of $20,430. The overall cost of replacing the core and access points after the E-rate would be nearly $81,000.
The E-rate program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the direction of the FCC. The program helps schools and libraries obtain affordable broadband. The reimburse rate for school districts is based mainly on the free and reduced lunch program.
Jones said the core switch is nine years old and is used to service all district buildings. The equipment, he said, has a life expectancy between five and seven years. In addition, the district does not have a service agreement on the main device.
If the core switch fails, Jones said the district would be without internet service and students would not be able to access Google Docs.
“There are no signs that it will fail soon, but we need to act on this in a timely manner,” Jones said.
Board members discussed a possible five-year lease to spread out payments but have not made a final decision.