Every staff member will receive a brand-new desk phone with enhanced features to improve communication and safety.
Key Benefits:
Voicemail Enhancements -- Voicemails will be sent directly to email as an audio file and messages will be transcribed for easy reading.
PC & Phone App -- Staff will have access to a new app for both the PC and mobile device, allowing them to make and receive calls using their school extension from any location.
Provider Change for Better Reliability -- The district is transitioning from Bright Speed as its phone provider improving call reliability and ensuring that district phone numbers aren’t flagged as spam when calling parents.
Desk Extensions Remain the Same -- Current desk phone extensions will remain unchanged, making the transition seamless for internal communication.
Panic Button for Emergencies -- Each phone has a panic button that instantly connects to the PA system for emergency situations, improving response times and overall safety.
PA System Access for Office Staff -- Office staff will be able to page over the PA system directly from their desk phones, making it easier to communicate urgent messages campus-wide.
The new phone system will be installed and transitioned over spring break to minimize disruptions. The only thing that staff will have to do is record a new greeting.
This summer, the IT department will be streamlining technology in offices and classrooms to create a more consistent and reliable setup for all staff.
As part of this initiative, each office and classroom will be equipped with:
- dual monitors &
- a desktop computer
Key Benefits:
Increased Reliability – Desktops are more stable and require less troubleshooting compared to laptops with docks, creating fewer disruptions during instruction and daily tasks.
Improved Performance – Desktop computers offer faster processing speeds, better multitasking capabilities, and increased longevity, leading to a smoother and more efficient work experience.
Dual Monitor Setup – The addition of two monitors will enhance workflow, making it easier to manage lesson plans, grade assignments, and accomplish tasks.
Consistent Classroom Technology – One of the desktop monitors will mirror the classroom’s large display (projector or interactive display), creating a seamless and standardized teaching experience across all classrooms.
Faster IT Support & Equipment Swaps – The IT department will be able to quickly troubleshoot and replace devices if needed, minimizing downtime.
Better Cable Management & Less Clutter – Eliminating docking stations will create a cleaner, more organized workspace with less connectivity issues.
Keeping Laptops for Flexibility
While desktops will become the primary workstation, staff will still have access to their laptops for off-site work and meetings, ensuring flexibility in how and where they work.
The IT team is excited to roll out these upgrades and will provide support throughout the transition. More details and scheduling information will be shared as we approach summer!
Key Benefits:
Anywhere, Anytime Access – Staff can access files from any device with an internet connection, removing the need for VPN access or being tied to a school network.
Seamless Integration – With Google Drive for Desktop, staff can still access files through File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), just like a traditional network drive. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files open and function as usual.
Automatic Backup & Version Control – Changes are automatically saved, allowing previous versions of documents to be restored if needed, preventing accidental data loss.
Collaboration & Sharing Made Easy – This setup allows the secure sharing of files and real-time collaboration, even on Microsoft files, without the hassle of email attachments.
- Enhanced Security & Reliability – Google Drive ensures files are automatically backed up and protected from hardware failures, reducing the risk of data loss.Scheduled IT Support for a Smooth Transition
- Faster Access to Work -- Delays in accessing files on the computer will be a thing of the past.
To assist with this transition, the IT department will begin scheduling time with teachers to provide hands-on support, answer questions, and ensure a seamless migration of files. Stay tuned for more details on how to schedule your session!
Key Benefits:
- Ease of Use -- Staff will no longer need to remember a password and log into a system to request help.
- Communication is More Visible -- Communication between the requester and the person assigned to the ticket will all go through the initial email. There will be no "clicking into tickets" to check on progress.
Existing FMX tickets will be migrated into the new system for staff so that requests aren't lost. Details will be released soon!
The IT Department got a new member named Sam Pew this week. He is the new data integration specialist. While you may not outwardly "see" what he does, his work will be impactful districtwide. A Data Integration Specialist is part investigator and repairman. Over the next few month he'll be going over third-party platforms and data integration processes. He'll take what he sees, facilitating positive changes along the way. There's a lot that goes into the transfer of data between eight different district and Sam is going to be working to streamline and improve all of it.
Sam comes to us from Franklin City Schools and we're very happy to welcome him into our IT team!