From the Director - David Fernandez

It is the start of a new school year and the Technology Department would like to welcome everyone back.  The following is an update on some changes that have taken place or are currently happening. 

Farewell to Will McCullen
After years of service, Will McCullen left the District last June 2007.  Will has taken a position at Pima Community College.  His assignments will include maintaining and operating network equipment at all of their campuses.  I am certain that he will be successful and make a valuable addition to Pima College.   

New Network Manager – Steve Frost
Steve Frost is the Technology Department’s new Network Manager.  Steve came to the District as Technology Specialist six years ago.  After a brief stay at Amphi Middle School, he moved on to the MIS Department.  For the past three years, Steve has worked as a Network Systems Coordinator II.  In that capacity, his responsibilities included Pentamation support, e-mail passwords, HR2000/ABRA, and tape backups. 

Steve Frost has many qualities that make him the right person for Network Manager.  He listens and communicates well with users.  Additionally, Steve will go to great lengths to resolve issues for our users.  I am certain that he will be successful in his new position.  Congratulations Steve! 

Update on New Wide-Area-Network (WAN)
Conterra Ultra Broadband has started construction of the District’s new wide-area-network.  Currently the network utilizes T-1 lines through Qwest.  The maximum bandwidth capacity for a T-1 line is 1.5Mbps (million bits per second).  The new network will offer 100Mbps to the high schools, middle schools, and K-8 schools.  The remaining sites will receive between 15Mbps and 20Mbps.  The connections will be used to transport voice, video, and data communications.  The company will use a combination of poles and roof-mounted equipment to connect District sites. 

The poles are constructed of spun concrete, reinforced steel in the inside and a concrete outer layer.  Poles are individually designed for each site and will meet the latest EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance)/TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) standard for wind loads.  Pole heights are dependent upon the surrounding topology for each site. 

Location Pole Heights (feet) District Office 63 Amphi Alternative Program 63  Amphitheater High School 93  Cross Middle School 68  Donaldson Elementary School 63  Mesa Verde Elementary School 63  Rio Vista Elementary School 53  El Hogar 53  Warehouse/Graphics & Printing 93

Figure 1.  Spun Concrete Pole

The poles and roof-mounted equipment will support the antennas that will link all District sites.  The antennas are approximately two feet in diameter.  An example of a pole (Figure 1) is shown above.  An example of a roof-mounted (Figure 2) antenna can be viewed below. 

As mentioned above, the new network will dramatically increase the bandwidth that connects District sites.  The wireless network will help us in our efforts to provide the right technologies as the District moves toward 21st Century Learning in our classrooms.

Figure 2.  Roof-mounted Antenna