EduTech Steering Committee, RIT Inn and Conference Center, December 6, 2012
Members Present:
Bruce Amey, Avon Bob Leiby, Manchester-Shortsville
Maria Ehresman, Williamson Jim McNeil, WFL BOCES
Mike Glover, GV Educational Partnership Dawn Mirand, Mt. Morris
Tim Hayes, Geneseo Camille Sorenson, EduTech
Members Absent:
Greg Macaluso, GV Educational Partnership
Terry MacNabb, Waterloo
Guest:
Chris Saxby, EduTech
OnLine Testing: What we know to date – Camille Sorenson
SED is not certain whether they are going to follow PARCC online standard. NYS requirements may not be the same. Supposedly a letter will be coming from SED in the next couple of months on what the standard will be.
Mike Glover stated that in a meeting this week they are trying to get PARCC to work with tech and Apple.
Acknowledged that they won’t be ready to go full boat by 2013-14.
Technical readiness tool is a survey as to what you have in your district. About 50% of our region has completed this survey; compared to 28% across the state. Bruce Amey asked Camille to send out what districts have not completed the survey so that they can be reminded of the importance of filling it out and providing the information.
Have to be careful of the network that you have. Pretty certain will be internet browser based. EduTech is talking to districts who will need to consider upgrading.
Test Administration Window- most current from Ken Wagner; districts need to plan that an entire grade level will be tested at the same time. Districts will need to have enough devices that are student capable to handle the largest grade in your district.
Schools may have access to Microsoft Settlement monies and may be able to purchase hardware. Camille is cautious that the money may or may not be there. Bob Leiby asked if these would be BOCES money or the districts as the equipment is owned by BOCES. Camille will need to check.
Maria Ehresman mentioned that Williamson did testing with K-2 and found the kindergarten students kept trying to touch the screen because they are used to Tablets.
Items to consider: If your network is over six years old, replace your network. If your workstations are 7 yrs old, look at a plan to replace them. Logistically look at where you would be having these students take the exam. What do you have, where do you need to be, and where can you put the kids to take the exam.
Mike Glover stated that, given our experience, all of us need to remain flexible and continue to bring our concerns to the state and to take some of these deadlines with a grain of salt. They are moving deadlines. If we do not have the technology to deliver the assessments the way they want, then it is our responsibility to tell them.
Districts need to complete the readiness survey.
Dawn Mirand mentioned that a great rehearsal is eDoctrina and Time Hayes mentioned Acuity.
Bruce Amey commented that another problem is all instruction will shut down when doing these assessments because all the technology available will be used.
Mike Glover reiterated that Camille is right, we need to get the survey in.
EduTech Year in Review – accomplishments over the past year – Camille Sorenson
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Configured, procured & installed $9 million in computer hardware and software. Novell to window conversion (manpower)
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ERate processing for 17 Monroe County districts and Monroe #1 BOCES
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Implemented major LAKENet update – equipment and fiber bandwidth
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Implemented Shared Data Coordinator service to better support our district needs for expanded statewide data gathering – currently 12 districts have bought into the service
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Negotiated a 10 year lease agreement for our LeRoy office
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Coordinated the technical evaluation and purchase of a $300,000 DL USDA grant
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In support of APPR process and local assessment, added support of eDoctrinica, NWEA, MAP, Teachscape
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Implemented Google email & archival as a service offering, began support of 7 districts, expanding cloud services technology.
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Completed an IT Risk Assessment audit
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Participated on numerous statewide technology bids for cost effective pricing and sharing of resources amongst the RICs. Used Federal bids when feasible.
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Provided Board leadership to Axcess Ontario; the Ontario County fiber network that runs in the 8 district county.
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Implement enhancements to the ASAP system used by the districts of 9 RICs for scanning/scoring Regents exams.
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Provide answer sheet coding for all Regents exams for all district in the state except NYC
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Provide regional support for Medicaid filings; facilitate state compliance trainings
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Forensic investigations at district request
EduTech 2013-14 Expenditure Budget and District Pricing – Camille Sorenson, Chris Saxby
Total Budget $13,599.601
Percentage of Budget Change 1.98%
Last two years presented a 0% increase in the budget
1.98% increase on all EduTech services; 2.7% on all shared services
A rollover budget was going to be 2.31%; so reduced equipment and mileage for 1.98%
Average aid ratio in EduTech region is 74%: Use It. Several districts and RICs are moving to a model where the RIC is supporting more and more. A couple of RICs have moved where all tech support is through the RIC and not in district
Bruce Amey commented on his appreciation for a 0% increase over the past two years and shared at last CSO meeting that you cannot keep going at a 0% increase. A 1.98% increase is extremely reasonable. EduTech has pared back and the value of service is outstanding. Mike Glover said Bruce’s comments were well said.
Bob Leiby asked what has been the historical fund balance at the end of the year. Tolerance level between anticipated year end fund balance that it doesn’t grow too much, but it needs to be adequate.
Tim Hayes asked why the decline in mileage. EduTech looked at actual costs and found we weren’t using as allocated. Looked at actual and wasn’t using as allocated.
Mike Glover commented on Bob Leiby being an outstanding member of the group, thinking ahead for the group and thanked him for great work and contribution as he retires.
Motion on the table by Bruce Amey to accept budget; Bob Leiby seconded. Unanimously passed by the committee.
Camille also thanked Bob for his years of service and dedication to the committee and wished him well in his retirement.
Next Meeting
February 5,
April 16, 2013
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