Wireless Internet concerns heard by Hays USD 489 school board

3/5/2013

Hays USD 489 Board of Education members heard a recommendation at the Monday night work session to upgrade the school district's wireless system. District officials are considering the upgrade because of problems connecting to the network, users being dropped off once connected and slow Internet speed.

"You have a lot of devices trying to get through the wireless network," said Janet Herdman of Herdman Consulting, Kansas City.

She was executive director of technology of North Kansas City schools before starting her consulting firm.

Herdman recommends the district build a denser network with more access points, "and that your pipe out to the Internet is much bigger."

"I'm in favor of whatever it takes to get up to speed on this," said Rich Kraemer, board member. "It's obvious that we're antiquated. We need to do something."

Todd Bryant, USD 489 technology director, will put together cost options for the upgrades to present to the board, Superintendent Will Roth said.

To minimize costs, Herdman said the district could spread out the upgrades by completing a few buildings at a time.

Board members also discussed the purchase of a new activity bus with Russ Henningsen, transportation director.

Henningsen said rather than a coach bus, the district might consider buying a multi-function bus, a school bus without the flashing lights and stop arm.

"You're getting the safety of a school bus. ... You're getting the comfort from over-the--road coach bus with the features that are in it."

The district has a bus purchasing schedule in its long-term capital outlay budget.

One route bus and one coach are scheduled to be purchased in the next fiscal year, Deputy Superintendent Richard Cain said.

* JUDY SHERARD, HDN