Boulder Valley School District Educational Facilities Master Plan

3.0 TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEWBoulder Valley School DistrictEducational Facilities Master PlanThe CIPC and the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) requested an independent validation ofthe technology cost estimates. A second phase in the development of the Master Plan includedan overall review of the current status of the technology infrastructure, the technology needs ofthe District, and an independent validation of the technology cost estimates. This chapterprovides an overview of this phase of the project.When reviewing the administrative technology resources of a school system, the processexamines the computing environment within which the administrative applications operate; theapplications themselves and the degree to which they satisfy user needs; the manner in whichthe infrastructure supports the overall operations of the school system; and the organizationalstructure within which the administrative technology support personnel operate.In reviewing instructional technology, the process analyzed all areas that contribute (or shouldcontribute) to the effective use of technology in the classroom. This included broad areas suchas the technology plan; the organizational structure; and the infrastructure, to more specificresources available in the classroom, such as the type of hardware employed; the method ofselecting software; and the access to outside resources. Other critical factors assessed includedstaff development for teachers, school-level technology support and maintenance, and theequitable distribution of technology among schools. MGT of America, Inc. was charged withleading this process.The Independent Validation Process (IVIT) included two public forums specifically dealing withBVSD technology. The forums gave individuals from the community an opportunity to voice theiropinions about what is going on in the current and planned technology implementationsthroughout the District.The large group survey questions were tailored to solicit input on five specific areas: WAN, LAN,Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Video and Facilities. Small groups were assembled at bothmeetings and discussions focused on the results of the Large Group Survey. Overall, althoughnot well attended, the forums were successful in understanding what issues were generallyimportant to the public.Data and information were gathered regarding vendor-provided cost estimates for each of thefive service areas (WAN, LAN, VoIP, Video and Facilities).Phone interviews were conducted with vendors to help the CIPC understand the details behindeach estimate. Cost saving options were explored for each of the service areas to determine ifthe environment had changed since the original estimates were given. In several areas,especially WAN, significant increases in the amount of fiber available and the opportunity forBVSD to 'piggyback' on this expanded infrastructure were considered as possible cost savingopportunities. Service costs were another area examined. This market has become much morecompetitive over the last several years and, as such, costs for data transport across fiber havedropped in the past three years.Finally, technology specialists familiar with industry standards and regional implementationsreviewed all documents pertinent to this study and have made several changes to the originalcost estimates. Those findings are made available in Section 6.0 of this report.Capital Improvement Planning Committee May 2006 Page 21