A complete overhaul of the current information technology
system
– including a consolidated system for the bell, clock, intercom
and telephone – is being pushed by San Benito High School District
administrators at a cost of about $1.8 million.
Hollister – A complete overhaul of the current information technology system – including a consolidated system for the bell, clock, intercom and telephone – is being pushed by San Benito High School District administrators at a cost of about $1.8 million.
The district’s board of trustees were asked to approve a new one-wire system by administrators at Wednesday’s board meeting. Trustees postponed any action on the proposed system until the financial repercussions are further analyzed.
The proposed system’s costs would come either out of the district’s general fund, building fund or special reserve fund.
The trustees agreed that a one-wire system would be valuable to the school, but questioned the cost to the district.
“My only concern is that there’s a a pretty big price tag. If we’re going to do this, it might mean that we’re not going to do other things,” Board President Bill Tiffany said.
Jim Koenig, director of finance and operations for the district, said he agreed the cost was difficult to swallow.
Updating the information technology infrastructure, however, is something necessary for student safety and to facilitate use, he said.
“Our current I.T. infrastructure is inadequate and it’s something that affects the students every day,” Koenig said.
Koenig said many parts of the current infrastructure act up or don’t function properly. Bells ring at different times in different parts of the campus or don’t operate properly. The system is used to keep track of payments for lunch or students getting free lunch, and it frequently freezes up, Koenig said.
In addition, district administrators said the new system would contribute to a safer school.
“We just had the (accreditation) review, and there are a lot of additions we need for student and staff safety: 24-hour surveillance video, intruder alarms, a P.A. system … the (review board) threw harpoons at us in safety,” he said.
The school does not have video surveillance or a public address system.
Trustee Steve DeLay said that he “agreed the current system is a piece of junk.” He said, however, that he wanted a complete list of upcoming, potential projects that would be coming from the same funding source so the board could make an educated decision.
“I do think there’s a real value to this system, but part of our job is to look at the big picture,” Trustee Evelyn Muro said.
With the costs already approved to build a new Agriculture Barn and expand the auto shop, board members said they wanted a chance to look at other projects on the horizon.
Superintendent Stan Rose said although he understands the board’s hesitance, trustees should not underestimate the importance of the one-wire system.
“If kids can’t get through lunchtime, or if we needed an all-call and couldn’t – this is serious,” Rose said.
