Fall River School Committee Weighs Tech Upgrades and Logistics
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
04/04/2024
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Recording Published:
04/04/2024
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Duration:
60 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Fall River
- Meeting Overview:
The recent meeting of the Fall River School Committee focused on several technology-related proposals, each poised to impact the district’s operations significantly. With discussions ranging from the implementation of a new HR management system to the upgrade of student data servers, the committee examined potential costs, benefits, and the practicalities of each initiative.
Central to the meeting was the consideration of a new HR management system, Frontline, for managing attendance and overtime. The system, which would integrate with the district’s Aspen RX2 student information system, promises to streamline processes and increase efficiency by transitioning to a paperless environment. Detailed cost breakdowns, including one-time integration fees and ongoing annual expenses, were presented. The committee engaged in a robust dialogue about the feasibility of tracking overtime within specified locations and networks, the system’s scalability, and the need for thorough employee training to adapt to these changes.
Another point of discussion was the implementation of an electronic sign-off system for employee timecards. The aim here is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the current process. The committee also examined the application process for job openings, with an emphasis on making it more user-friendly, especially for mobile users.
Additionally, a proposal to purchase a van for the technology department was brought to the table. This purchase is intended to facilitate the transport of equipment, thereby improving the department’s operations and reducing its reliance on borrowed vehicles. The debate surrounding this proposal touched on budgetary concerns, the urgency of the need, and the availability of alternative transportation options within the district.
The committee also deliberated on upgrading the student data server to a cloud-based solution provided by NeutriKids. This upgrade would potentially enhance data security and expand functionalities, such as ticket sales and fee tracking. The availability of funds for this project was questioned, and it became a point of discussion.
The need for a professional sound system at the football stadium was addressed, with previous challenges attributed to the limitations of the initial contractor. Another proposal that garnered attention was the acquisition of interactive whiteboards for classroom use on the third and fourth floors of school buildings.
A discussion about the future use of a district building and the necessity for a technology-equipped space was also on the agenda. The committee underscored the importance of having a clear utilization plan before voting on the matter. The imminent end of the current technology plan and the initiation of a new 5-year strategy were considered, along with the management of aged-out Chromebooks. The committee explored working with a company to refurbish these devices for spare parts and discussed the purchase of replacement screens for touchscreen models.
The introduction of Pocket Talk translation devices was met with interest. Updates on internet service provider contracts, server license renewals, and the relocation of instructional technology and technology services to a new facility were also covered. The proposed centralization of the technology department prompted discussions about moving costs, logistics, and the wider impact on the district’s space utilization.
Further to logistical considerations, the committee expressed concerns about timely actions related to securing a lease extension and providing appropriate office spaces.
Finally, the committee addressed the need for enhanced digital security and student monitoring in classrooms, considering the use of LightSpeed software. There was also talk of leveraging the police station’s mental health specialists to establish a 24-hour hotline.
The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session to discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices.
Maria Pontes
School Board Officials:
Paul Coogan, Kevin Aguiar, Sara Rodrigues, Bobby Bailey, Mimi Larrivee, Shelli Pereira, Tom Khoury
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
04/04/2024
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Recording Published:
04/04/2024
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Duration:
60 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Fall River
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