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Tech services report: staffing, E-rate project and equipment upgrades cited as priorities
Summary
Technical services staff reported a budget shortfall, project backlog, E-rate–funded network upgrades and internal cost-saving measures; the department said it plans new help-desk software, continued E-rate work and capacity building.
Jeremy Lewis, presenting for Technology Services, told the board the department faces a budget constraint that has reduced overtime and delayed hiring, contributed to a backlog of network projects and limited proactive repairs. He said roughly 80% of network projects were behind schedule and that the department is balancing deadlines tied to E-rate funding.
Lewis highlighted several program successes: a planned E-rate project that will replace district network equipment with roughly 80% of costs covered by E-rate funding, a 35,000-work-order annual help-desk load, and $70,000 in parts savings from a recycling program for older computers. He also said in-house fire and security inspections saved about $94,000 a year compared with prior contract work.
The department plans to deploy new help-desk software in July to address user complaints about the current ticketing system, continue the E-rate middle-school Wi‑Fi upgrade (with district responsibility for about 20% of eligible costs), and build staff capacity through internal training and recruitment. Lewis noted longer lead times for some equipment, such as transformers and switchgear, and said the team tracks those items monthly to inform project scheduling.
Ending: Lewis told trustees that tech services is pursuing a mix of E-rate funding, in‑house efficiencies and staffing investments to reduce the backlog and meet network capacity needs; the department said bond funding would ease some pressures if voters approve the proposed package.
