Technology Profile

Current Infrastructure:

Mount Clemens Community School District has a wide-area data, video and voice network which provides a solid foundation for present and future growth.  During the summer of 2002 the district technology infrastructure changed dramatically.  We went from antiquated file servers barely able to handle minimum workloads to state-of-the-art backbone equipment. 

We operate a centralized multi-server network with a network data storage system.  Servers perform the following functions:  file and print sharing; library management; student management (SASI); software management; email; internet access; website hosting; DHCP; DNS; and SMTP.  We are now able to offer unified logins for all users (students, staff, and ultimately parents as well), centralized file and print services, as well as delivering applications to users via network management tools.

Fiber optic cabling has been in place between the buildings since the early 1990’s.  The summer of 2002 saw a thorough testing and repair of the fiber.

Cisco switching equipment has upgraded our backbone speed from 10MB to 100MB.

During the summer of 2002 we also saw the addition of 500 IBM computers.  These computers provided every staff member in the district with the ability to communicate via email, access the internet, utilize Microsoft Office, access district-wide programs and save files to the network.  

There are computer labs located in each building.  The Middle School and High School also have large library labs.  The High School has several mini labs spread throughout the curriculum.

Such an infusion of technology was funded through bond funds, E-rate funds, and district funds.

A phone system that is over ten years old is currently being utilized.  There is a phone in every teacher’s classroom.  Teachers also have voicemail.

Ensuring Interoperability:

To maximize the longevity of the resources, and to ease the support and management burden, decisions were made to standardize our computer platform. 

To allow for necessary upgrades the district participates in Novell’s School Licensing Agreement (SLA).  This ensures that our network operating system, email, and remote delivery software will not become outdated.  To ensure the servers will be able to continue to run such software, it is imperative that hardware follows suit, and we either upgrade or replace servers as needed. 

Switching technology needs to be monitored to ensure distance learning technology is able to operate efficiently. 

Current Technology Support:

With the massive upgrades experienced in the summer of 2002 we have shifted our support emphasis from supporting few users in school buildings (mainly performing business functions) to a situation where we have a wide range of users across the district.  To ease this transition we have found it invaluable to utilize the technology to support and improve technology as much as possible.  District level technicians are able to perform most tasks remotely, deliver applications to desktops across the district, and utilize technology that will provide notification before a catastrophic hardware failure occurs.

Building Level

The building-level personnel are trained in first level network operations.  They assist the building staff in network and printer troubleshooting, resetting passwords, and software assistance.  Most building level support personnel are also librarians.

District Level

The district employs a Network Administrator and a Network Coordinator.  Both positions require a highly qualified and trained individual.  Their time is managed through a central system in which building-level support staff email or call a central coordinator who schedules the Network Administrator or Network Coordinators time.  When appropriate, external service technicians are called upon to either perform advanced functions, or assist in a large project.