A major project that is already under way is an overhaul to our Network. Schools are currently running at very slow speeds, making printing and using the internet cumbersome. Many schools have run out of space in their "phone closets" and this equipment needs to be upgraded to support more connections and to run more efficiently.

The Network upgrade will include:

Basically, this means that every school will see new equipment installed over the 2004-08 school years.

The District has contracted with Northwest Information Services (NIS) to perform a site survey for the placement of wireless access points in all of our facilities. This work will be occurring in May to June 2005. After the site survey is completed, a Request for Proposal will be developed to purchase, install and test these wireless access points, along with replacements for the hubs and routers. The actual installation of this new equipment will be done throughout the 2005-2006 school year.

An assessment of the condition of the cabling and wiring closets at each facility was completed in November 2004. Seven schools were identified as needing building modifications. A preliminary design of these modifications has been completed. In May 2005, we will be getting construction bids for this project.