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IT department requests staffing and infrastructure upgrades; e‑rate funds to replace network battery backups
Summary
The district's IT team briefed the board on device distributions, security tools and a request for an additional full‑time computer support technician. The presentation said e‑rate funds will fund longer‑life lithium battery backups and the district is evaluating NERIC phone/backup service and Genetec integration for cameras and doors.
Cohoes — The Cohoes City School District’s technology staff told the school board they need more hands and upgraded infrastructure to support 1:1 devices, security and emergency communications.
EJ Mahoney, the district’s network administrator, said the district purchased new Chromebooks for the fifth and ninth grades (2:1 cohort distributions described), additional Chromebooks for third and fourth grades for computer‑based testing and 25 laptops allocated to the Future Ready Pathways program; he said some laptops will be issued to students to keep after graduation from the program.
Mahoney described software and security tool changes: the district moved web filtering to GoGuardian and is using PaperCut for print management with badge‑release printing to reduce waste. He said the district completed phase‑2 of copier installs and is using print tracking to collect usage data.
On infrastructure, Mahoney said the district will use E‑rate funds to replace aging server and networking backup batteries with lithium‑ion units that have an estimated 10‑year lifespan. While integrating elevator emergency call lines during elevator renovations, IT staff identified the need for a more reliable emergency dialer; Mahoney said the district will add a NERIC‑provided cellular backup line for elevator emergency calls and is evaluating NERIC phone service as a replacement for the district’s current vendor because of intermittent service interruptions.
Security and classroom technology: the district installed a 3‑lens “huddle” camera in the high‑school large gym and is planning to expand Genetec (security camera software) integration so door alarms and alerts can be tied to the camera system. Mahoney said schools are exploring gamified learning platforms and an effort to standardize on fewer, district‑wide instructional platforms.
Staffing and needs: Mahoney said the IT department currently has four staff and is requesting an additional full‑time computer support technician to handle device maintenance, instructional technology support and cybersecurity obligations under New York State law (ECL/Ed Law‑type requirements referenced). He said replacement cycles, warranty periods and a June purchase window for device cohorts are driving procurement timing.
Speakers: EJ Mahoney (Network Administrator); Katrina Hunt, Thomas O’Keefe (IT staff referenced in presentation).
Clarifying details: battery backup replacements are timed for installation during an upcoming school break; e‑rate funds will be used to upgrade to lithium‑ion backups with a projected 10‑year useful life. The district described a 90‑day/90‑purchase window for some procurement timing and has budgets in place to request NYSED Safe Act allowances for camera/security reimbursement.
Ending: Mahoney said staff will return with cost estimates and a staffing proposal; the board was asked to consider adding a full‑time technician in the next budget cycle.
