Technology Report

Patrick Christl, Director of Technology

Pennoyer School District #79

June 13, 2018

Presentation Overview

Meet with the Technology Committee last week to discuss options for our required:

Server Upgrades

and

Classroom A/V Refresh

Server Upgrades

Server Upgrades

Current Challenges��Our server infrastructure is at end of life, and if one machine fails, �ALL Internet and network traffic will become inaccessible.

• Network requires nine servers (physical or virtual) to function
• Last physical servers were purchased in 2012
• The previous six were purchased before 2010
• All physical servers (w/exception of one) were virtualized to save cost of buying new hardware (using VMware)
• If the ONE VMware server fails, ALL machines fail
• There is no redundancy for our servers

Server Upgrades

Current Challenges��All of our servers are out of support from DELL

• Dell is not able to sell us new SAS cards for the very old Disk Array
• We can no longer connect new servers to our file storage hardware

Our VMware software (Software that runs our virtual infrastructure) is discontinued by vendor in August 2018 -- if it fails, there is not support from vendor

• We’re required to upgrade from the last version that we bought in 2012

Server Upgrades

What we need to do...��In order to solve these critical issues, the Technology Committee recommends:

• Purchasing new server and storage to run all of our server infrastructure
• This will use existing hardware for fault tolerance in case a server fails
• Will get us into a sustainable server lifecycle
• Upgrade our VMware licensing to current version
• Will be funded through our yearly technology budget

Classroom A/V Refresh

Classroom A/V Refresh

Current Challenges��A/V Systems in our classrooms are failing. This is a challenge for classroom teaching for many reasons.

• Much of the curriculum is digital and a functioning display is critical to reviewing digital content required for daily lessons
• Disruptions to A/V systems creates unexpected challenges for teachers and students
• In past outages, students were required to huddle around teacher computers for lessons

Classroom A/V Refresh

Current Challenges

Current projectors and interactive resources are old and failing

• Most recent classroom projector was purchased in 2013
• Many are 8 years old
• Majority are blurry or not bright enough for spaces
• Currently costing us money to maintain broken devices

2018 Projector Maintenance Cost� Fixing Complete Failures

�Device Age Items Replaced Cost�Projector 1 2010 Lamp x 1 $150�Projector 2 2012 Lamp x 1 $125�Projector 3 2010 Lamp x 3 $450�

Total Cost: $725

Classroom A/V Refresh

Proposed Options

We would like to establish a refresh life-cycle to anticipate upgrade costs and ensure that the devices are functioning properly with minimal downtime.

• Option #1: Same setup: Projector with Interactive Mimio Device
• Four year life-cycle

• Option #2: Interactive Touch Panels
• Six year life-cycle

Classroom A/V Refresh

Proposed Options: Six Year Refresh Roadmap

Classroom A/V Refresh

Proposed Options: Cost per Classroom Comparison - 6 year�*Cost is estimated based on current market pricing

Classroom A/V Refresh

Proposed Options: Cost per Classroom Comparison - 12 year

Classroom A/V Refresh

Proposed Options

It is the recommendation of the Technology Committee to refresh classroom A/V devices for grades 6-8 with Interactive Touch Panels

Benefits will include:

• Cheaper overall cost for the life of the device
• Touch panels will not require lamp replacements
• More clarity, greater brightness, and improved viewing angle
• Ready for 21 century lessons and content

Thank you!