Wonky Internet

Frustration! from Bev Sykes

What’s going on with our Internet Access?  Some days it’s ok – but most of the time it’s randomly slow. I might visit a web site and it’s fine – but then the very next link I click on, it’s as if the Internet suddenly died.  What gives?
Our primary internet provider, AEA11/ICN has been having on going issues with their web filtering.  They’ve been working on the issue for the past few weeks and even removed the device that was related to the issue. However, as of this morning (Monday Feb 10th), it appears that the issue has returned despite having the problem equipment replaced.

So, now what?
We’ve been talking with AEA11 about having us routed around the problem  – and that is still being worked on.

School Board approves Internet bandwidth increase and District website redesign

At last night’s school board meeting, two significant contracts related to technology were approved…

Increase of Internet bandwidth for 12-13 school year
A contact with Iowa Communications Network (ICN) to increase our internet bandwidth for the 12-13 school year.  We are currently operating with 125Mb access, with 100Mb from netINS and 25Mb from ICN.   Starting July 1st, we will move to 200Mb from ICN and continue with 100Mb from netINS, bringing out total capacity to 300Mb.

Web site redesign contract with Flying Hippo
The district is contracting with a local firm to redesign the district web site, including the Community Education section and eventually the school sites as well.  This project is funded by Microsoft Settlement funds.  We’re not only refreshing the design, we’re looking to add new features including…

* Enhanced calendar views

* News feature to highlight latest information

* Enhanced staff directory , where staff  can edit their information and update classroom links and resources.

* Ability to edit content without needing software (schools currently use Contribute, which won’t be needed any longer)