D70 Board Approves Modernization of School Networks

Starting next fall, students at Park View School will be able to use the very air around them to study and learn about the world.

At its monthly meeting Monday, the Board of Education approved a project to install 34 wireless access points at Park View and overhaul the 15-year-old telecommunications system so users aren't randomly booted off the school’s voicemail program.

The price tag is projected at just under $214,000.

“Everyone remain seated,” Superintendent Gary Zabilka said in a joking mood to board members. “There are few occasions I’ve come to the board with something as monumental as this recommendation. We’re looking to replace our entire network.”

But Zabilka said making the building wireless “will open many doors in the future for new and better ways for kids to learn.” Plus, wireless access will be integral should the school decide to outfit every student with tablet or notebook computers, a practice in place at many high schools. 

“I’m committed to still presenting the board with a balanced budget even with this expense,” Zabilka said. 

Board president Tony Hofeld recalled going down to the basement and seeing the voicemail system more than a year ago.

“If it goes, we’re in big trouble because we can’t get the parts to fix this,” Hofeld said. “None of the [costs] by themselves seem horrific, but when you put them all together it’s a big number. When you look at it over a period of 10 years, it doesn’t seem as intimidating as the one-time payment.” 

The cost will be split between the education and building funds, and Zabilka hopes all necessary changes will be made by the time the new school year starts on Aug. 15.

The price breakdown:

• Network upgrade: Replaces major servers and switches – $60,914
• Phone system upgrade: Replaces 88 phones, installs new voicemail and updates the 911 service – $73,590
• Wireless installation: Adds 34 wireless access points school-wide – $79,406

In other business

The board switched over the district's website and e-mail hosting service contract to a different company, Net 56, at a rate of $3,200 a month. 

Members also allocated $15,000 to hire Joe Porto, a strategic planner, to take the school community through about four workshops to identify goals for improvement.

The board approved the following maternal leaves for the next school year beginning in August:

• Christine Pellum, fourth grade, until Nov. 15
• Lindsey Swarvar, special education, until Oct. 17
• Shana Finkelstein, fifth grade, until Nov. 14
• Paulette Forman, Spanish, until Nov. 14

 The board approved two different pay raise rates:

• For administrators Sue Wings, Dave Pump and Christy Stewart: 4.2 percent
• For noncertified staff Jan Lombardo and Jim Johnson: 4.5 percent

The board extended the transportation contract with Positive Connections for another 12 months. This is the last year guaranteed in the contract, so Zabilka was hopeful the company will be providing its best service in an effort to get the job again next year.

Science teachers Michael Novak and Lisa Brody gave a progress report on a new, more hands-on curriculum they were implementing in the classroom. They said it has been rewarding for them and their students, whose learning have been elevated by the various projects.

“Thank you for letting us [adopt this curriculum] a few years ago, because I really think it’s what kept me wanting to teach. I love it every day,” Brody said.