From the Director - David Fernandez

Han Nguyen is the latest addition to the Technology Department.  Han joined our department in July, 2006.  He is the District’s first Programmer Analyst.  Han’s primary assignment is to develop software applications for District use.  Since his arrival, Han has created two on-line applications.  The first was a “Customer Satisfaction” survey that is used to solicit feedback on customer service.  The second application is used to register teacher candidates for the District’s Job Fair on February 17^th.  Currently, Han is working on the implementation of the new Pentamation financial/HR system.  Han got his education in programming from Cal State Long Beach and is extremely hard-working and friendly.  We feel fortunate to have him on our staff. 

New Firewall and Web Filter (Websense).  The network staff has just finished installing a new firewall and updating the District’s current version of Websense.  Will McCullen has worked diligently on the installation and has made every effort to minimize any disruption in service.  The two products should improve security of the District’s information systems, staff, and students.

New Web Server.  Last semester the Technology Department installed a new web server.  The old web server would “crash” several times during the week.  The network staff explored options to fix the problems on the server before it was replaced.  The largest issue with the transition was transferring account information from the old system to the new.  Gary Serencsa and Debbie Anthony spent many hours re-creating FTP accounts. 

The new server has much more storage capacity and processing speed.  The other new feature of the server is that it allows the IT Department to create virtual servers on the one physical box.  One of the immediate benefits of the new equipment was the implementation of an on-line tax credit software that was hosted on new web server.  Over $100,000 in school donations have been collected since the installation of the software in December.

Amphi’s Web Page.  As mentioned above, Debbie Anthony (Web Master) spent many hours re-creating FTP accounts when the new web server was installed.  Debbie has also dedicated much of her time to improving the District’s home page.  Her focus has been to place more information on the web server.  She is also assisting other departments in redesigning their web pages.