Telecommunications Department Duties

Support staff of the Telecommunications Department maintains and repairs the computers for the entire Chicopee Public School system, along with installation of new computer systems and new computer software.  The staff further oversees of all the School Department Network.  The Technology Department assistant’s duties encompass:  Help desk, Web page management, Professional development, software analysis, software recommendations, technology plan compiling, ERATE applications, DOE Directory administration, email account administration, iPASS account administration and communications with MEC our Internet service provider. The Network Manager oversees the School department building network servers along with overseeing staff that handles hardware repairs.  The Teaching staff offers Television production to local high school students along with Television broadcasting of Ch 5 broadcasts local Community programming and the local bulletin board, and now Ch 63 broadcasts Annenberg Educational Television.  All staff members also assist staff in specific access and use of photo, graphics and TV materials.

Telecommunications Department Programs

1976    -  Telecommunications Department Organized

-  Offered Occupational Education Courses for high school students: 

-  Television Operations

-  Photography Graphics

-  Graphic Arts

1978    -  Began Programming Cable Channel 5 and Community Bulletin Board

-  Schools began utilizing programming from Channel 57, the local public broadcasting station (PBS) in our area.

-  Activated I-NET for video transmissions at selected sites for live Telecasting.

1979    -  Began Telecasting High School Sporting Events and Community Programming:

            1.  Kielbasa Festival

            2.  Chicopee St. Patrick Colleen Pageant

            3.  4th of July Festival

            4.  Live Election Coverage

            5.  Candidates Forum

            6.  Mayoral Inauguration

            7.  Public Hearings

            8.  Program Series

                        -  Market Square

                        -  Mayors Chair

                        -  Chicopee Night Live

                        -  Images - New Dimensions

            9.  Educational Programs

          10.  State House Report

                        -  All schools received CATV drops to receive CATV Systems     

                           Programming 

            -  Some sites had I-NET

            -  Chicopee Comp., Chicopee High, Bellamy, City Hall, Administration

1980    -  Began Live Telecast of School Committee Meetings 1/23/80

1982    -  Live Telecast of Board of Aldermen Meetings

1984    -  Telecommunications Dept. responsible for maintenance and repair of all Chicopee Public Schools computers.

1990    -  Rebuilding of the CATV System.  All schools and public buildings have I-NET as well as CATV forward System

1994/1995    -  Started programming on cable Channel 63 in addition to Channel 5 with Educational Programming.

1995    -  Contracted with MCET Mass Learn Pike for Instructional Programs and dispersal to schools and community on Cable Channel 63.

1996    -  Activated I-NET for Data Transmission.  Began hooking up all schools and Community departments to pass Internet Services from Telecommunications Center to schools and city departments.

-  Wiring of 10 Base T-Level 5 cable in city schools begins

-  Offering of professional development workshops

-  Development of Internet and account policies

-  School Committee approval of Internet and account policies

-  Internet service to city schools begins

1997        - The 10 Base T- Level 5 cable wiring was completed in all schools

1998        -  Installation of Dell Power Edge 2200 NT files servers in all of the Elementary Buildings including Szetela

              -Installation of 2 Dell Power Edge 2200’s at Telecom, 1 Main Domain Controller, 1 Proxy Server

-          Watch Guard Firewall installed at Telecom (Content Filtering)

-          With the assistance of ERATE funding our Network Internet service with MEC (Merrimack Education Center) was expanded to 1 T 1’s

1999        -  Installation of HP 4000 Pro Curve switches in the School Administration building and all School buildings except CHS

-          Project MEET Dell Power Edge 2300 w/ Windows NT Web page server was installed for District housed web pages

-          The Server at Fairview Middle School was updated to a Dell Power Edge 2300 w/ Windows NT

-          The Server at Bellamy Middle School was updated to a Dell Power Edge 2300 w/ Windows NT

-          Photography Dept. moved to Comprehensive HS

-          Graphic Arts Dept. moved from CHS to Telecom Dept. building

2000              Installation of the School Administrative DOCSIS network, including all School buildings, Administration building, City Hall, Safety Complex, Water Department

-          Television Production studio purchased Media 100 a Non Linier editing machine

-          Installation of network racks in School Administration building and all School buildings, except CHS

-          With the assistance of ERATE funding our Network Internet service with MEC (Merrimack Education Center) was expanded to 3 T 1’s

-          Server at CHS was replace w/ HP Server w/ Novell 4.11

2001        Installation of the Instructional DOCSIS network

-          Television Production studio purchased 3 IMAC’s for students to use Imovie for the teaching of video editing

-          The Server at Comp was updated to Dell Power Edge 4000 running Server 2000 with Active Directory

-          iPASS Web based student information system was installed and began operation for the 2001-2002 school year

o       3 Sun Servers were installed at the Telecom Center to support iPASS Database server, Web page server, Firewall server

o       Database server – SUN Microsystems 450-ULTRA Enterprise Server running Progress data base

o       Web page server  – SUN Microsystems ULTRA 5 Web Page Server

o       Firewall server – SUN Microsystems220 R-Enterprise Sever, running Checkpoint

2002              -  DPW and Veterans Services were added to the Administrative network

·         Television Production studio purchased 2 G4 MAC’s for students to use Imovie for the teaching of video editing

·         IPASS Web based Student Information system began 2^nd year

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding our Network Internet service with MEC of 6 T 1’s.

·         The Wide Area Network Server was updated at Telecom to a Dell power Edge 2500 with Advanced Server 2000 as the Active Directory for (Chicopeeps) domain.

·         The servers at Chicopee High School, Bowe and Stefanik Elementary schools were updated to Dell Power Edge 2500 with Advanced Server 2000

·         Technical support of iPASS, SIS (Student Information System Committee) meetings held monthly at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG. ESPED Special Education web based reporting. 

2003              – The servers at Fairview, Bellamy Middle Schools, Bowie, Selser, Barry and Belcher Elementary Schools were updated to Dell Power Edge 2600’s with Advanced Server 2000

·         The servers at Litwin and Streiber Elementary were updated to Dell Power Edge 2300’s with Advanced Server 2000.

·         Television Production studio began acquiring the necessary programming equipment of CDV-Pro Digital format

·         Television Production studio began upgrading on air play back system to add DVC Pro and DVD playback

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding our Network Internet service with MEC of 6 T 1’s.

·         Implementing wireless technologies at Comprehensive H.S., Telecom Dept., Litwin Elementary and Lambert Elementary.

·         Technical support of iPASS, SIS (Student Information System Committee) meetings held monthly at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG.  Technical support for ESPED Special Education web based reporting.  Read 180 computer clusters including small LAN’s dedicated to operating that software package.

2004       - Opening of the new Chicopee High School (43million dollar state of the art high school) including 550 Windows XP class A computer systems.  Smart board systems with LCD projectors located in strategic areas of the building.  Fourteen lap top carts with wireless connectivity to the network.  Classrooms are equipped with televisions with DVD/VCR systems that also interact with the teacher’s computer workstation. Video conferencing equipment has been purchased and can be used via IP addressing throughout the building to interconnect within the school or over our WAN network.  Many locations within the building are equipped with LCD projection capabilities.

·         Graphic Arts Dept. moved to the new CHS building

·         The lighting up of CELD (Chicopee Electric Light Department) fiber optic network.  Phase one was to bring online six buildings onto the fiber network, Administration, Telecom, Chicopee High, Comprehensive High, Fairview Middle School and Bellamy Middle School.

·         Continue with the planning for the new Comprehensive High and the moving of the Telecom Dept. to the new High School.

·         Utilizing NCLB funding to bring technology into our schools to facilitate technology integration.

·         Working with the City to renegotiate a renewal of the Cable contract with Charter Communications.

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding our Network Internet service with MEC of 6 T 1’s.

·         Maintaining quality network and technical support for 15 School buildings, 1 Administration building and the Telecom Department which includes 2500 computer workstations and 23 servers.

·         Upgraded the server at the Administration building to a Dell Power Edge 2500 with Advanced Server 2003.  To handle financial data and the bus transportations software.

·         The Wide Area Network Server was upgraded at the Telecom Dept. to an HP Server with Windows 2003 maintaining the Active Directory (for the Chicopeeps domain.)

·         Technical support of iPASS, SIS (Student Information System Committee) meetings held at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG.  Technical support for ESPED and the expanding Read 180 computer clusters.  Supporting MUNIS the web based financial system.

·         Evaluation of iPASS our web based Student information system for contract renewal.

·         Utilizing remote network management at the new Chicopee High School.  This involves maintaining experienced technical staff as part of the Telecom staff as our remote capabilities expand.

2005       - Phase two to bring online more buildings communicating on the fiber network WAN.  They include the Selser, Bowie, Bowe, Stefanik, Lambert Lavoie, Barry, Streiber and Szetela schools.

·         Filing ERATE forms providing (6 T 1’s) Internet access to the School Department.

·         Utilizing NCLB funding to bring technology into schools to facilitate long distance learning technology integration.  Includes Smart Boards, multimedia.

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding our Network Internet service with MEC of (6 T 1’s.)

·         Utilizing 90% reimbursement from ERATE upgrading servers at Bowe and Stefanik to Power Edge 2600 with Advanced Server 2003.  To accommodate student evaluation data collection.

·         Utilizing 90% reimbursement from ERATE upgrading Bowe and Stefanik to access the fiber Wide Area Network with GIBICS and switches. 

·         Maintaining technical support of iPASS, continuing SIS meeting that are  held at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG.  Technical support for ESPED, the expanding Read 180 computer clusters, MUNIS and the new Transportation package.

·         Expanding remote network management utilized at the new Chicopee High School to other school buildings.  This involves maintaining experienced technical staff so that all technicians are able to assist in our remote capabilities as they expand.

            2006       - Phase three to bring online the remaining buildings communicating on the fiber network.

·         Continue with the planning for the new Comprehensive High School.

·         Filing ERATE forms providing (6 T 1’s) Internet access to the School Department.

·         Utilizing NCLB funding to bring technology into schools to facilitate technology integration.

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding for our Network Internet service with MEC of (6 T 1’s.)

·         Upgrading servers where necessary

·         Processing ERATE applications hoping to utilize 80% reimbursement from ERATE to upgrade the servers at Bellamy, Belcher and Chicopee Academy to update their Network Servers with Advanced Server 2003.  To accommodate student evaluation data collection.

·         Processing ERATE applications hoping to utilize 80% reimbursement from ERATE to upgrade Bellamy, Belcher and Chapin to connect to the fiber Wide Area Network with GIBICS and switches.  To accommodate student evaluation data collection.

·         Maintaining technical support of iPASS our Student Information Management System, continuing SIS meeting that are  held at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG.  Technical support for ESPED, the expanding Scholastic Read 180 computer clusters, MUNIS and the new Versatran Transportation package.

·         Expanding remote network management utilized at the new Chicopee High School to other school buildings.  This continues to involve maintaining experienced technical staff so that all technicians are able to assist in our remote capabilities as our utilization of this technology expands.

            2007       - Opening of the new Chicopee Comprehensive High School

·         Filing ERATE forms providing SES (Switched Ethernet Services from MEC) equal to 10 MB providing Internet access to all of the School Department buildings.

·         Utilizing NCLB funding to bring technology into schools to facilitate technology integration.

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding for our Network Internet service with MEC.

·         Moving of the entire Telecommunications Department along with all WAN Servers and Student Information Database servers to our new facilities at the new Comprehensive High School

·         Set up new Telecommunications Department Television Studio and Professional Development classroom.

·         Purchase technology equipment along with needed computer software for the new Comprehensive High School computer systems, LCD displays along with Smart Boards and Multimedia systems.

·         Maintaining technical support of iPASS, continuing SIS meeting that are  held at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG.  Technical support for ESPED, the SRG (Striving Readers Grant) Read 180 program and servers along with the expanding Read 180 computer clusters, Galileo, MUNIS and the Transportation package.

·         Expanding remote network management to include the new Comprehensive High School.  Continuing to maintain experienced technical staff so that all technicians are able to assist in our remote capabilities as our utilization of this technology expands.

·         Continue commitment to professional Development for all staff utilizing the Telecom Center staff.

            2008       - Network operations emanating from the new high school  

·         Filing ERATE forms providing SES (Switched Ethernet Services from MEC) equal to 30 MB providing Internet access to all of the School Department buildings.

·         Utilizing NCLB funding to bring technology into schools to facilitate technology integration.

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding for our Network Internet service with MEC.

·         Completing the moving of the entire Telecommunications Department along with all WAN Servers and Student Information Database servers to our new facilities at the new CCHS location.

·         Completing the bid process for the new Telecommunications Department Television HD TV Studio.

·         Continuing to provide newer technologies for all schools in the District including Smart Boards, Distance Learning, and Multimedia developments.

·         Maintaining technical support of iPASS, continuing SIS meeting that are  held at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG.  Technical support for ESPED, the SRG (Striving Readers Grant) Read 180 program and servers along with the expanding Read 180 computer clusters, Galileo, MUNIS and the Transportation package.

·         Maintain and expand remote network management.  Retain experienced technical staff that is all capable of assisting in our remote management capabilities.

·         Continue commitment to professional Development for all staff utilizing the Telecom Center.

            2009      - Network operations emanating from the new high school  

·         Filing ERATE forms providing SES (Switched Ethernet Services from MEC) equal to 30 MB providing Internet access to all of the School Department buildings.

·         Utilizing NCLB and Microsoft reimbursement funding to bring technology into schools to facilitate technology integration.

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding for our Network Internet service with MEC.

·         Established the entire Telecommunications Department along with all WAN Servers and Student Information Database servers at our new facilities at the new CCHS location.

·         The entire Telecommunications Department HD Television Studio and Professional Development classroom will now be established in the new facility.

·         Continuing to provide newer technologies for all schools in the District including Smart Boards, Distance Learning, and Multimedia developments.

·         Maintaining technical support of iPASS, continuing SIS meeting that are  held at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG.  Technical support for ESPED, the SRG (Striving Readers Grant) Read 180 program and servers along with the expanding Read 180 computer clusters, Galileo, MUNIS and the Transportation package.

·         Maintain and expand remote network management.  Retain experienced technical staff that is all capable of assisting in our remote management capabilities.

·         Continue commitment to professional Development for all staff utilizing the Telecom Center at both James and Montgomery St.

            2010       - Network operations emanating from the new high school  

·         Filing ERATE forms providing SES (Switched Ethernet Services from MEC) equal to 30 MB providing Internet access to all of the School Department buildings.

·         Utilizing NCLB and Microsoft reimbursement funding to bring technology into schools to facilitate technology integration.

·         Continuing with the assistance of ERATE funding for our Network Internet service with MEC.

·         Maintain the entire Telecommunications Department along with all WAN Servers and Student Information Database servers at our new facilities at the new CCHS location.

·         Maintain Telecommunications Department Television Studio and Professional Development classroom in the new facility.

·         Continuing to provide newer technologies for all schools in the District including Smart Boards, Distance Learning, and Multimedia developments.

·         Maintaining technical support of iPASS, continuing SIS meeting that are  held at the Telecom Dept., dealing with iPASS issues and providing training sessions supported by IMG.  Technical support for ESPED, the SRG (Striving Readers Grant) Read 180 program and servers along with the expanding Read 180 computer clusters, Galileo, MUNIS and the Transportation package.

·         Maintain and expand remote network management.  Retain experienced technical staff that is all capable of assisting in our remote management capabilities.

·         Continue commitment to professional Development for all staff utilizing the Telecom Center at both James and Montgomery St.

Assessment of current Technology Support Staff

Current staff

The current level of technology support of the Chicopee Public Schools is as follows:

Staff projections

Installation of the Internet wiring in the schools was completed in 1996.  The duties of the telecommunications department are growing especially in the area of computers and network maintenance.  The technology department strives to maintain a very elaborate network that needs constant maintenance to provide the Internet access to schools that has become an integral part of our curriculum.  As the network and computer workstation maintenance demands become more complex we have moved to more remote network access of work stations especially in our new High School.  This demands more skilled technical network staff that it will be necessary to compensate to maintain skilled network technicians.  We project that five TPD’s will be need to be maintained in all of the Secondary Schools as key building personnel to assist both Telecom staff and teachers in implementing technology in those buildings.  A compete staff is necessary to properly maintain and keep operating all the file servers and networking systems in our school buildings.  The networking demands have become too great to be totally dependent upon other outside agencies.  With the utilization of remote management it has become necessary that all technical staff be capable of assisting in remote management duties.