We have been hard at work implementing the bond. Here is a quick overview of where we are so far.

Switch Upgrade

One phase of the implementation is to upgrade the switches. Switches have been updated in the following buildings:

• Whitmore Bolles ES
• Henry Ford ES
• Edsel Ford HS
• Lindbergh ES
• Dearborn HS
• Snow ES
• Nowlin ES
• Fordson HS
• Berry Career Center
• Dearborn Heights Campus
• Haigh ES
• Long ES
• McDonald ES
• Maples ES
• River Oaks ES
• Salina Intermediate
• William Ford ES
• Salina ES
• Howard ES
• Miller ES
• Becker ES
• Duvall ES

The rest of the switches are scheduled to be updated prior to the end of the calendar year.

Wireless

Another major component of the bond was this updating and installation of wireless throughout the district. The following buildings have been completed. (*Please note that the new wireless solution uses district credentials to connect to the wireless network. There is also a Guest wireless network so that the community can take advantage of the wireless while in our schools.)

• Whitmore Bolles ES
• Henry Ford ES
• Edsel Ford HS
• Lindbergh ES
• Dearborn HS
• Snow ES
• Nowlin ES
• Fordson HS
• Berry Career Center
• Dearborn Heights Campus
• Haigh ES
• Long ES
• McDonald ES

The other schools are scheduled and in process of being wired. Since this work varies greatly based upon availability and issues within each building, it is more difficult to establish concrete deadlines. However, we anticipate having all buildings completed by the end of January.

UTM

UTM stands for Unified Threat Management. We have to put safeguards in place to protect our network and our users. This comes in many forms. As you may be aware from the news, this is a complex but crucial part of our network. We need to protect our network for outside threats, malware and more. We also need to protect our students and staff from inappropriate material. We have selected a comprehensive system. We are working on getting this installed and configured. This is currently scheduled to be installed and activated by the end of December.

Data Management

We are also working on upgrading our main servers and back up solutions. This is currently being evaluated. A decision and implementation schedule will be in place by the end of December.

Devices

The Technology Department is updating computers throughout the district. This is a rolling process. We have replace or repurposed all of the eMacs.

Desktop PC’s

The High School computers (mostly from the last bond) have been updated/repurposed as appropriate. We are working with all of the schools to make sure that computers are identified and updated as needed.

PC Laptops

Many schools have received updated PC laptops for students use.

Chromebooks

We will be installing a large number of Chromebooks. Each school will be receiving at least one cart of 30 Chromebooks. Chromebooks allow us to provide computers for students to use. However, this requires a bit of work since they will be used by students and staff. We need to have them connect to the network so that the user can connect. Then the Chromebook needs to “move” into the appropriate area (student or staff) based upon who logged in. We have that system in place, but need to set up each computer. We anticipate starting to release Chromebooks to schools in December. We hope to have this completed by the end of January.

Other

Please note that beyond the Bond implementation, we are also upgrading our copiers as well. This includes an all new print management system that will allow for better reporting back to buildings. This is another large project that will begin installation in December.