Year 0              2004 – 2005

Year 1              2005 – 2006

Year 2              2006 – 2007

Year 3              2007 – 20008

Schools and locations within the Gainesville City School District often are referenced using the following acronyms and shorthand.

BOE                Board of Education

CES                 Centennial Elementary School

EES                 Enota Elementary School

FSES               Fair Street Elementary School

GCSS              Gainesville City School System

GES                 Gainesville Elementary School

GHS                Gainesville High School

GLA                The Gainesville Learning Academy

GMS                Gainesville Middle School

M&O               Maintenance, Transportation, and Operations

NHES              New Holland Elementary School

Phoenix            The Phoenix Academy

TA                   Transition Academy

SBO                School Board Office

Funding Projections

GCSS currently experiences a student growth rate of 6.2%.  Annual sustaining costs for new equipment and subscription fees based on student cost include the growth rate in the projection.  While inflation has been relatively flat in past years, a growing economy might increase the inflation rate, affecting future costs.

The rapidly changing cost of technology makes estimation difficult.  Year 2 and 3 projections include fewer details and are subject to greater estimation errors.  Where possible, all estimates are based on current listed pricing.

GCSS consider leasing as opposed to purchasing of equipment.  The average annual hardware purchases for the district are approximately $250,000.  This cost could be deferred through three year lease agreements.  The BOE might consider this option to ease increased spending in the initial phases of this plan.

Revisions and Modifications:  A Living Plan

A technology plan requires full commitment from the Board of Education, all staff, and faculty.  Faculty support at all schools will be required for effectively meeting the student learning objectives.  Technology Services reached out to all staff and faculty through Technology Advisory Committees and administrative meetings to receive input and review the best use of technology in meeting learning objectives.

Given the rapidity of change in the technology field, an effective technology plan must be subject to revisions and modifications as needs and costs change.  The Three Year Technology Plan should be viewed as a living document, modified as needed.

Upon adoption, the plan will be posted permanently on the district web server, and as it grows and changes, the posting will be updated to reflect all modifications.

A Team Effort

All of the listed achievements and proposed recommendations contained within this plan are possible only through the team effort of the district as a whole.  Board members, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, students, and community groups all contributed through an array of support, advice, and hard work that cannot be fully detailed.

Technology Services is immensely thankful for the assistance and dedication provided to us throughout the year.

The National Education Technology Plan 2006

The United States Department of Education recently released a report on technology and how education providers must adapt to a changing world economy.[1]  The USDOE recommends seven major actions steps for all districts to take.[2]

Through the strong leadership of our Board of Education, GCSS already has implemented many of the recommendations.  While room for improvement certainly exists, GCSS can take pride in its forward thinking and leadership in technology.

Many of the recommendations contained within the GCSS Three Year Technology Plan fall within the larger National Technology Plan recommendations.

1.      Strengthen Leadership

2004-2005 Achievements

ü                  Technology Services provided professional development classes for all system administrators and faculty.

ü                  The BOE added new leadership positions to the technology staff including Chief Information Officer and Student Information Specialist.

2.      Consider Innovative Budgeting

2004-2005 Achievements

ü                  Technology Services applies for a broad range of grants and awards.

3.      Improve Teacher Training

2004-2005 Achievements

ü                  Technology Services provided professional development classes for all teachers.

ü                  GCSS is using the LoTi to asses each teacher’s level of technology proficiency.

4.      Support E-Learning and Virtual Schools

2004-2005 Achievements

ü                  GHS employs online classes.

ü                  Technology Services provided all schools access to the online practice tests for the CRCT.

5.      Encourage Broadband Access

2004-2005 Achievements

ü                  Broadband access is already present in all GCSS schools and is available to all end-users including students and teachers GHS employs online classes.

6.      Move toward digital curriculum content

2004-2005 Achievements

ü                  Technology Services continues to broaden the use of LCD projector systems, making the computer a central teaching tool in the classrooms.

7.      Integrate Data Systems

2004-2005 Achievements

ü                  GCSS uses a customized online assessment tool to collect performance data about out students called TestGate.  Teachers use Testate to measure student achievement every 9 weeks and individualize instruction to each student’s specific needs.

ü                  The addition of a student information specialist has also allowed us to broaden our use of our student information system (SIS), providing information about students to parents in real time.

ü                  Technology Services made available all SIS records to parents of students in grades 6-12.

Meeting the Objectives of the National Plan

The national plan calls for a complete integration of technology into the classroom and curriculum so our nation’s students can compete in the new global, information economy.  Proficient use of computer technology is a fundamental skill for all jobs from retail clerk to physician.

Today’s students already are immersed in a technical world.  Unlike the educational leaders, all of our students were born after the introduction of the personal computer.  To meet the needs of our students, GCSS must dedicate itself to providing the technical foundation required by the new world the students, themselves, already function.

The GCSS can and should be a technology center.  We must lead the students and community into a future that will be based on “high tech” systems.

 

Initiative Summary

GCSS has identified eight key initiatives.

                              Initiative 1.        E-Rate

Through the use of federal E-Rate discounts over the next three years, GCSS can upgrade certain allowable aspects of the existing technology infrastructure, delivering world-class service to faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community at a fraction of the total cost. Additionally, Gainesville City Schools qualifies for erate discounts on fiber optic connectivity between locations on a yearly basis.

Initiative 2.        Laptops for Grades 6-12

GCSS should make laptops available to all students at GMS and GHS, fully engaging students in the learning process, helping them meet and exceed their learning objectives.

Initiative 3.        Wireless Gainesville

A wireless cloud providing Internet access over the city of Gainesville will provide the full benefits promised by student laptops, and Gainesville, itself, will be the premier technology center of North Georgia, attracting business and industry to the area.

Initiative 4.        Professional Staff Development

Technology Services will train K-12 faculty and staff on the integration of technology in the classroom.  We also will provide every teacher with a personal computer, and technology assessment will be included as a part of the formal evaluation process.

Initiative 5.        Fully Integrated Technology Curriculum K-12

Working with curriculum personnel, Technology Services will develop a K-12 technology curriculum aligned to state standards, including technology certification courses at GHS and expanding the integration of technology systems in the classroom.

Initiative 6.        Teaching Systems to Meet Learning Objectives

GCSS will provide site based funding for more teaching systems in the classroom with each school having a Technology Advisory Committee to assess and recommend a list of needed improvements.  Technology Services will continue to lower the computer-to-student ratio at all schools and improve the quality of support service we provide.

Initiative 7.        Parent and Community Contact and Training

Technology Services will enhance the district web server and provide full parental access to all student information system records.  We also will offer parents and the community technology training courses and strengthen partnerships with community government, services, agencies, and churches to broaden student and parent access to our services.

Initiative 8.        Better and Better Service

Technology Services will continue to improve the quality of service provided to all faculty, staff, and students, and increase efficiency through training and automation.  GCSS must provide a competitive pay scale for technical support inline with surrounding school systems.

Technology Plan Details

Initiative Descriptions & Achievements

Initiative 1.        E-Rate

Through the use of federal E-Rate discounts over the next three years, GCSS can upgrade certain allowable aspects of the existing technology infrastructure, delivering world-class service to faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community at a fraction of the total cost. Additionally, Gainesville City Schools qualifies for erate discounts on fiber optic connectivity between locations on a yearly basis, as well as discounts on local and long distance telephone service.

Recommendations[3]

      Continue upgrade to infrastructure cabling, network security, web server, student e-mail server, and make all schools wireless zones. Expecting to receive $817,000. Our share will be 17% or $138,890. (Year 1 - $4,390 additional needed as $134,500 already allocated in 2004-2005)

      Add redundant data systems to SBO data center to provide 365 day, 24-hour service availability.  Add wireless connectivity to cover Gainesville city limits.  See Initiative 3.  (Year 2 - $0, money can be reallocated as E-Rate match proportion less than $138,890 allocated in Year 1)

      Continue E-Rate matching for telecommunications and wide area network (WAN) funding. (Years 1, 2, & 3 -$0, within normal budget)

Initiative 2.        Laptops for Grades 6-12

GCSS should make laptops available to all students in grades 6-12.  Working with a vendor, families should be able to lease-to-buy a fully equipped and fully serviced laptop with complete access to the Internet and all school resources for around $35 dollars a month.  Combined with a “wireless Gainesville” and a fully trained, technology proficient faculty, students will be engaged in the learning process and capable of meeting and exceeding their learning objectives.

Achievements:

Recommendations

      Test laptop use in a one GMS classroom through a $35,000 Title I grant.  (Year 1 – $10,000 additional needed to supplement grant if maximum students of 30-35 per class)[4]

      Begin study, preparation, and training necessary to support student laptops at GHS.  (Year 1 - $0)

      Make laptops available through a lease to buy program provided by a vendor to all GHS students.  (Year 2 - $0)

      Expand laptop initiative to Gainesville Middle School through the same program. (Year 3 - $0)

Initiative 3.        Wireless Gainesville

In order to achieve the educational gains promised by laptops, a wireless cloud must cover the city of Gainesville, making Internet access possible for all of your students.  Not only will students and their families receive tremendous benefits, Gainesville, itself, will be the premier technology center of North Georgia, attracting business and industry to the area.

Achievements:

Recommendations

      Promote wireless cloud for city of Gainesville. (Year 1 – $0)[5]

      Install two towers, one at EES and one at GES, to cover the city limits of Gainesville to provide Internet access and fully access to GCSS resources. (Year 2 - $140,000)[6]

      Apply for E-Rate, providing redundant data systems, wireless antennas, and cabling.  Total cost estimate is $300,000 with a local match.  (Year 2 - $51,000)[7]
It has been determined that this item does not quality for erate funding.

      Solicit assistance from Gainesville City Council and Chamber partnership to reduce local funding costs. (Year 2 - $0)

Initiative 4.        Professional Staff Development

A.     GCSS will train all K-12 faculty and staff to a minimum LoTi standard of 3 on the use and integration of technology in the classroom.  GHS and GMS faculty must achieve a 4+ rating on the LoTi. 

Achievements:

Recommendations

      Provide monthly training to all K-12 faculty and staff by adding an additional extended day session to the calendar. (Year 1 - $0)

      Add Educational Technology Support Coordinator to staff.[8]

      Continue training for all faculty and staff.  (Years 2 & 3 - $0)

B.     Each teacher will be provided with a laptop OR a classroom computer.  GCSS also will provide payroll deduction for teachers who wish to obtain a personal computer for home use. 

Achievements:

Recommendations

      Purchase 33 computers for all activity teachers in the district and to equip expected 15 additional teachers. (Year 1 - $39,600)

      Provide 15 key GHS teachers with laptops. (Year 1 - $18,000)

      Provide all teachers at GHS with laptops. (Year 2 - $0, covered through normal buy cycle)

      Update all teachers at GMS with laptops (Year 3 - $0, SPLOST III)[9]

C.     All administrators, faculty, and staff, based on their job duties, must meet certain base standards on the integration of technology with educational objectives.  Technology Services should assist key personnel in the evaluation process.

Achievements:

Recommendations

      Add technology testing and assessment as a component in the formal evaluation process. (Year 1 - $0)

      The Chief Information Officer should be a member of the team responsible for the hiring of all computer lab personnel.  (Year 1 - $0)

4. (New - FY2006-2007) Provide pertinent training on the use of Powerschool, primarily to administrators. Also provide training in Powergrade to teachers..

   Achievements:

   FY07-07	Currently have 23 administrators and support personnel involved in Powerschool training.
   FY07-07	Held day long session in Powergrade for any teacher having difficulties at GMS
   FY07-07	Technology personnel stationed themselves at GHS and announced for anyone having Powerschool/Powergrade difficulties to join them for a one on one training/repair session.

5. Provide financial incentives for technology staff to earn industry standard certifications, their increased knowledge and efforts ultimately benefiting the system. Compensation as follows: