Welcome to the Technology Department and Data Center

Lynn Public Schools is dedicated to providing optimal learning opportunities that improve student achievement while delivering standards-based instruction in a technology rich educational environment. The district is committed to the effective use of information technologies available in education to support and enrich the curriculum.

The U.S. Department of Education defines technology literacy as "computer skills and the ability to use computers and other technology to improve learning, productivity, and performance." The members of our school community will use technology as a tool to prepare our students to acquire the 21st century skills including critical thinking, problem solving, collaborating, taking initiative, analyzing information and promoting curiosity and imagination.

Our Department Supports:

- 14,288+ Students, 30 Locations, 900 Classrooms, 1,600 Staff Members
- Approximately 6,000 Computers, Mobile Devices including 5,000 iPads
- 70 Servers including File, Domain and Backup Servers and Printers
- 700+ SMARTBoards
- Student and Employee Information Systems

Our department includes: (1) Network Administrator, (1) PC Lan Manager, (6) Technicians, (1) Network Wiring Technician and (1) Clerk. We provide anti-virus protection for all computers, CIPA compliant web filtering, email archiving, backup data protection and internet connectivity at all sites.

The district will follow the guidelines recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Education to be met by the end of the school year 2014 - 2015. The goals are organized into the key areas defined in the Massachusetts STaR chart.

Technology Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide students and staff access to the technology needed to advance both teaching and learning. Providing current and effective access to the resources available as well as the skillful use of it will help prepare our students to enter the global community.

Technology Vision Statement
Lynn Public Schools will strive to insure our staff and students are using 21st Century skills to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, communicators, and responsible digital citizens in information and media literacy. The use of technology will help our community to excel as learners and develop as leaders.

To achieve this vision, the Lynn Public School System is committed to providing access to:

- Appropriate resources and support for technology to be used in all areas of the curriculum;

- Up-to-date equipment (hardware, software, network) to maximize learning and teaching opportunities; and

- A district website to keep parents, students and other members of the community informed.

Technology Department Information

Data Center Information

Our 2013 | 2018 Technology Plan

	Technology Department Downloads (PDF)
	2013 - 2018 Technology Plan | Posted November 1, 2013
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Plan Benchmark 1 (See Additional Benchmarks On The Left Hand Tab)
Commitment to a Clear Vision and Implementation Strategies

Technology Goals and Initiatives
Teaching and Learning

Educator Preparation and Development

Infrastructure and Networking

Needs Assessment

The Lynn Public School district works to continually assess and evaluate existing and emerging technologies.  All academic resources and programs, including technology resources are and will continue to be evaluated regularly by department heads, principles, program directors and the curriculum department.  Any new technologies are first piloted by several teachers and department heads as a first step toward integration.

Budget

In order to provide students of the Lynn Public Schools with an education which is appropriate for 21^st century learners, we must attain the following budgetary support:

- Hardware for staff and students (software and licensing must be included with hardware).
-  Software for staff and students
- Network infrastructure
-  Instructional Technology Specialists
- Technology Technicians
- Technology Administrative Personnel
- Professional Development

The district has a budget for its local technology plan with line items for technology in its operational budget.  It included funding for staffing, district wide administrative hardware and software, technology professional development, support, and contracted services.  The district sets aside funding annually for the co-payment and non-discounted elements of each E-rate application.  A copy of this budget, which is updated regularly, is available from the Office of the School Business Administrator.

For all other staffing, hardware, software, professional development, support, and contracted services, the district leverages the use of federal, state, and private resources.  Copies of these budgets are available from the Lynn Public Schools External Grants Office.

Network Infrastructure, Hardware and Upgrades

Lynn has implemented a Wide Area Network since 1998 utilizing Full Data T1's from Verizon.  Many buildings that do not have access to the T1 lines are connected using wireless bridges.  These connections no longer provide adequate bandwidth for some of our classroom initiatives including video streaming.   We have added other burdens to the existing network, including VIOP, Security video, online Student Information Systems. 

We are in the process of generating an RFP to install Fiber Optic cables and associated networking from our central data center to our secondary schools.   This will provide almost unlimited bandwidth for the foreseeable future.  We then plan to upgrade the connections to other buildings as funding sources allow.  Internally, buildings are wired utilizing Cat-5e copper wire and Fiber Optic cables where necessary.  Internet access for the district is provided by a T1 connection purchased through Primus. 

Many school buildings have a broadband Internet connection provided by Comcast and/or Verizon.  Wherever Internet service is available, the district configures a Widows Server, with ISA firewall and Web sense Internet filtering.  The district is supporting around 35 servers, some for Internet access, some for E-Mail, some for DNS DHCP WINS and other infrastructure functions.  The district provides an institutional X-Drive to all users for collaboration and informational purposes. 

Special Internet access is provided for Personnel and Payroll to insure high availability.  Special servers and support are provided for Database purposes, Security Systems, Cafeteria Systems, Transportation and other departments.  The school district is attempting to take advantage of a special Technology Fund provided by Comcast in lieu of their Institutional I-Loop, which Comcast removed from their contractual requirements in the most recent contract renewal. 

This Technology Fund was designated as a one-time payment to the city, to be used to replace the I-Loop functionality.  The district plans to use this funding source to install the citywide fiber-optic network.  E-Mail is provided to district staff through MS Exchange 2010.  We currently do not provide E-Mail to students, and do not allow student access to external E-Mail systems.  Network infrastructure and servers upgrades and maintenance will utilize E-Rate Funding whenever possible.

Evaluation

An ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of existing technologies will be through:

• Maintenance requests by classroom teachers;
• Maintenance requests and use of computer labs in individual schools;
• Use of student performance assessments to indicate to what degree technology integrated lessons are helping students achieve on standardized tests, such as MCAS; and
• Use of student performance assessments to indicate to what degree access to technology is helping students achieve on standardized tests such as MCAS.

An outside evaluator collects and collates reports, surveys, interviews and observation results as a part of the formal evaluation of our technology plan.   Resultant changes to program are and will continue to be communicated to the Superintendent and staff and taken into consideration during the budget process.  Program changes are reported to the local school board.  The technology team will work to continue to align the plan with district goals, curriculum goals and seek to inform the community. 

Additional Benchmarks

Benchmark 2
Technology Integration and Literacy

Teachers in Lynn Public Schools will work to integrate technology into their instruction.  Grades are submitted online for all middle and high school, as well as in many of the elementary schools.  All classroom teachers are responsible for online attendance records submitted daily.  All teachers have access to a computer in their classroom, as well as to the district website where they can access MassOne, as well as other links to educational websites that include lesson plans and ideas for teachers.   Each school in the district has its own website.   The district offers a web course to one teacher from each school who then maintains the school website.  Many classroom teachers post homework, upcoming assignments, and other information to a class page that both students and families can access.

Teachers in the district are participating in videoconferencing over the internet, webinars, and long distance learning and collaboration to improve the student learning.  Interactive white boards have been installed in all schools in the district.  Teachers have access to online lessons through the boards to enrich curriculum.  District trained trainers are working to ensure all teachers are able to access and properly use this technology.

The district is working to encourage teachers to include technology as part of their professional development plans.  Teachers are also encouraged to take more professional development around technology integration. Through the online portal, MyPDC, all teachers are able to access all district course offerings.

Benchmark 3
Technology Professional Development

The district has partnered with Ed Tech Leaders Online(ETLO), Gordon College, Northeast Consortium, North Shore University, Salem State University, , and the Massachusetts Department of Education to provide course offerings in technology.  In order to ensure the use and implementation of new technology purchases, the district offers in-service day trainings for teachers and other courses to meet the instructional needs of both teachers and students.  Teacher requests for training and the results from the Massachusetts Department of Education’s TSAT survey also drives the courses and trainings offered.  All professional development is electronically recorded by the district.

Teachers in our district have been trained in and are involved with multiple different technologies.  A group of elementary teachers piloted the use of Apple IPODs.  The students download scientific podcasts about the topics studied in class.  They are responsible for viewing clips downloaded by the classroom teacher over a set amount of time.  Several of the schools in the district participated in BrainFuse, an online tutoring program.  Students are able to receive specialized instruction as needed.  Additionally, the district has sent several teachers and administrators for training in the data assessment tools in order to guide instruction.

Benchmark 4
Accessibility of Technology

The Lynn Public Schools maintains an updated website and encourages each school to keep an updated school website. Staff is educated about district policies and legal issues related to technology, online communications, and other district policies through the Acceptable Internet Use Policy.  Students and parents can also access the Usage Policy through the district website.  Schools are expanding the use of technology as a primary mode of communication amongst faculty. 

The district works with the public libraries, Girls, Inc and Boys and Girls Club to provide additional internet access to students after school hours.  Many schools provide access to their computer labs extended hours, including Connery and Ford Elementary Schools.

Technology Support Staff

The current support staff for the Lynn Public Schools is:

The district will strive to meet the Massachusetts DOE benchmark that calls for 1 FTE instructional technology teacher per 60-120 instructional staff, and one designated district-level technology coordinator/director.

Benchmark 5
Virtual Learning and Communications

The district will continue to update its website with information for staff, teachers, parents, students and other community members.  Individual schools will be encouraged to keep their websites up to date as well.

The district will continue to encourage the development and use of innovative strategies for delivering specialized courses through the use of technology.  Partnerships with local colleges and universities to provide online AP courses will continue to be developed.  Access to web based and/or interactive video learning on the local, state, regional, national and international level will be maintained and use of it will also be encouraged.

Benchmark 6
Safety, Security, and Data Retention

The district has a CIPA-compliant Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) regarding internet and network use.  The policy is updated as needed to help ensure the safe and ethical use by both staff and students.  A copy is available to all students in the student handbook, as well as on the website.

The district educates its students and staff about acceptable behavior when online.  Prior to use of the network, all users are required to read and sign the AUP and therefore are informed that any information distributed over the district or school network are a public record. 

The district maintains spyware detection software (McAfee) and firewall hardware to protect the confidential data of both students and staff.   The filtering program Websense works to provide student safety while on the internet.

The district complies with federal and state law for archiving electronic communications produced by both staff and students.

Lynn Public Schools Internet, Network and E-Mail Reponsible Use and Device Care Policy For Students
Updated: October 2022
POLICY IJNDB-S

Overview
The Lynn Public Schools provides access for students to the system/network, including access to external networks and e-mail, for educational purposes related to the Lynn Public Schools.

Students shall have the right to access district-issued devices (such as laptop computers) on Lynn Public Schools premises, beginning in Grade 3 (or such earlier or later grade level as the Superintendent or their designee may deem appropriate at any given time). The right to access such district-issued devices on the premises shall be a right in the Lynn Public Schools.

The privilege of taking such devices from the premises may be permitted generally, however the Lynn Public Schools reserves the right to govern any such taking or possession of devices, whether relative to all students, certain cohorts of students, or on a case by case basis.

Acceptable Uses
The Lynn Public Schools system/network, e-mail system, and devices may be used only for educational purposes related to the Lynn Public Schools.

Should a student or parent/guardian have a question about whether a particular use is appropriate, they may contact their school building leadership or classroom teacher, who may consult with building leadership. While any such question is pending, the student is advised to refrain from the use in question.

It shall be the purview of Lynn Public Schools administrators, from time to time, or as may be necessary in individual circumstances, to deem a particular use as appropriate or inappropriate, based upon the spirit of this policy. The Superintendent or their designee may create, issue and update guidelines, pledges, agreements, guides, and other documents to help students in understanding what are appropriate and inappropriate uses.

Unacceptable Uses
The Lynn Public Schools system/network, e-mail system, and devices may not be used for anything other than educational purposes related to the Lynn Public Schools. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Bullying, including cyberbullying, in violation of the Lynn Public Schools Bullying Intervention and Prevention Plan Policy;
• Harassment or discrimination of any kind in violation of the Lynn Public Schools policies relative to race, color, national origin, creed/religion, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, ancestry, marital status, homelessness, special need, proficiency in the English language or academic achievement or any other consideration made unlawful by any federal, state or local laws or regulations;
• Any violation of the Lynn Public Schools District Handbook or Lynn Public Schools Policy Manual, including the Discipline Code therein;
• Accessing or transmitting threatening or obscene material;
• Computer hacking;
• Creation or intentional spreading of computer viruses;
• Illegal activities of any kind;
• Commercial activities, including product or service advertisement or sales;
• Political use of any kind;
• Plagiarism;
• Distribution of mass e-mail or spam;
• Unauthorized fundraising, including for the benefit of the school;
• Installation of software or applications unless authorized by the Lynn Public Schools IT Department;
• Inappropriate use of another individual’s account;
• Web surfing unless for educational purposes related to the Lynn Public Schools;
• Students will not subscribe to e-mail lists or list serves unless for educational purposes related to the Lynn Public Schools;
• Students will not share passwords with other individuals or permit others to log on on their behalf;
• Students will not log on or attempt to log on as other individuals;
• Students will not distribute personally identifiable information (except to the extent necessary for educational purposes related to the Lynn Public Schools) or otherwise disrespect the privacy of others;
• Students will not loan their district-issued device to anyone;
• Students will not deface their district-issued device or reconfigure the district’s settings;
• The following categories of URLs may not be accessed: adult, chat rooms, gambling, and dating websites or applications;
• Use of social media (including Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, or Tik Tok) is prohibited unless for educational purposes related to the Lynn Public Schools and so long as such use is not objected to by the student’s classroom teacher or building leadership or Lynn Public Schools IT Department;
• Students may not connect their own personally owned electronic devices (including without limitation laptops or tablets) to the Lynn Public Schools network;
• Any other non-educational purpose of any kind; or
• Any other purpose not related to the Lynn Public Schools.
Etiquette In using the Lynn Public Schools system/network, e-mail system, and devices, students are expected to behave with reasonable etiquette including, but not limited to, politeness and the use of appropriate language.

Shared Responsibility
The Lynn Public Schools recognizes the importance of the core values of inclusiveness, high expectations, collaboration, shared responsibility, and inspiring life-long learning, including as they relate to technology. Although no one core value is more important than the other in the general context, the Lynn Public Schools wishes to emphasize the core value of shared responsibility for this policy.

Individual schools are encouraged to communicate expectations around use of technology and care of devices in an ongoing way.

Students/families shall notify the Lynn Public Schools IT Department if their device is ever lost, misplaced, stolen, broken, damaged, destroyed, or not properly functioning in any way. In some instances, families may be asked to file a police report, such as in the case of theft.

The Lynn Public Schools has installed a firewall to protect the network from hackers and has enabled filtering to protect against inappropriate content. These protections, however, are not absolute.

Students/families shall notify the Lynn Public Schools IT Department of any potential problems or issues encountered with their device, and also of any potential security risks encountered in using the Lynn Public Schools system/network, including e-mail.

It is impossible to guarantee that students will not accidentally or purposely find material that is not consistent with the educational purposes of the Lynn Public Schools. Thus, reasonable supervision of students by parents/guardians/caretakers (while outside of school) is necessary.

Within school, if staff notice potentially inappropriate action by students, they shall report it to their supervisor as soon as possible.

Finally, in using the Lynn Public Schools system/network, e-mail system, and devices, students are expected to take reasonable precautions for the safety of themselves and others.

Privacy of Self
Students should not have any expectation of privacy in using the system/network, e-mail, and district-issued devices. Administrators may review files and monitor all computer and internet activity. This includes, without limitation, e-mail transmissions and other use of electronic resources. Such activity shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time.

Access to Wireless Network
The Lynn Public Schools will provide a filtered, wireless network to which students may be allowed to connect. The Lynn Public Schools will not be held responsible for use of any information obtained via the wireless network including but not limited to loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, errors, and/or omissions. Students are not to disrupt the use of the wireless network. Use of the wireless network is at the student's own risk.

While on Lynn Public Schools premises, students may not connect district-issued devices to the student’s own personal hotspot or similar technology, except in extenuating circumstances and only for educational purposes related to the Lynn Public Schools.

Return of Device and Credentials
Upon graduating, transferring, or otherwise leaving the Lynn Public Schools, students shall return to the Lynn Public Schools any district-issued device(s).

Vandalism and Device Care
Students may not intentionally lose, misplace, break, damage, or destroy devices, or attempt to harm or destroy data of another student or of the Lynn Public Schools. Students are additionally expected to take reasonable steps to prevent avoidable device damage or loss of a device due to careless behavior.

Students will not loan their district-issued device to anyone, will not deface devices, and may not reconfigure the district’s settings. Violation of Policy The degree, frequency, and circumstances surrounding each incident should impact the methods used in enforcing this policy. Should a student violate this policy, they may be subject to school-based discipline.

Inappropriate use of the Lynn Public Schools system/network, e-mail system, or devices may result in the cancellation of any and all privileges contained in this policy, including the privilege of taking devices off school premises.

The following provisions further address intentional and unintentional loss or damage to devices.

Device Loss or Destruction Consequences
1.
A Student whose device is lost, misplaced, stolen, or destroyed/damaged beyond repair (other than normal wear and tear), whether intentionally or unintentionally, for the first time during a given device replacement cycle:
• Shall receive a replacement device to use off the premises.
• Depending upon the circumstances, the student may or may not be required by the Lynn Public Schools IT Department to attend a device care educational opportunity. Such opportunity may be provided by the individual school, or by the district. Such opportunity may be provided in person or by video, and may be one-on-one or in a group setting. • If the student is witnessed by LPS staff or on camera intentionally damaging or destroying a device, the student may or may not be required to reimburse the school/district in a reasonable monetary amount, up to the cost of the device. Otherwise, there shall be no monetary reimbursement required for a student whose device is lost, misplaced, stolen, or destroyed/damaged beyond repair for the first time during a given device replacement cycle.

2.
A student whose devices are lost, misplaced, stolen, or destroyed/damaged beyond repair (other than normal wear and tear) additional times, whether intentionally or unintentionally, shall be handled as follows:

a. 2nd instance (during a given device replacement cycle):
• Student may receive a replacement device to use off the premises, or may be provided with a device to be used on school premises only. This shall be determined by the Lynn Public Schools IT Department.
• Student may or may not be required to attend a device care educational opportunity of the kind described above.
• Student may or may not be required to reimburse the school/district in a reasonable monetary amount, up to the cost of the device.
• Depending upon the circumstances, the Lynn Public Schools IT Department may decide to require only reimbursement, only a device care educational opportunity, both, or neither.
• In the case of a student who is provided with a device to be used on school premises only, the Lynn Public Schools IT Department or Superintendent (or Superintendent’s designee) may, for good cause, at any time, reverse their decision and instead provide a replacement device to use off the premises.

b. 3rd instance (during a given device replacement cycle):
• Student shall be provided with a device to be used on school premises only.
• Depending upon the circumstances, the Lynn Public Schools IT Department may require only reimbursement, only a device care educational opportunity, or both. At minimum, the Lynn Public Schools IT Department must require one or the other. Waiver of both requirements may be made only for good cause by the Superintendent or their designee.
• Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Superintendent or their designee may, for good cause, at any time, provide a replacement device to use off the premises.

The following table is intended to illustrate the foregoing provisions (1), (2)(a) and 2(b) in a basic and user-friendly manner. Exceptions to the rules and special scenarios covered above, however, are not fully covered in the table below.

1st instance
-May replacement device be taken off premises? - Yes
-Educational opportunity required? - Maybe
-Monetary reimbursement required? - No, unless intentional damage or destruction is witnessed.

2nd instance
-May replacement device be taken off premises? - Maybe
-Educational opportunity required? - Only reimbursement, only educational opportunity, both, or neither may be required.
-Monetary reimbursement required? - Only reimbursement, only educational opportunity, both, or neither may be required.

3+ instances
-May replacement device be taken off premises? - NO
-Educational opportunity required? - Only reimbursement, only educational opportunity, both, or neither may be required.
-Monetary reimbursement required? - Only reimbursement, only educational opportunity, both, or neither may be required.

3. The foregoing provisions (1), (2)(a) and 2(b) shall not apply to any device issued on the basis of disability, or to any student whose misuse is attributable to their Special Need eligibility criteria.

4. In the case of a student who intentionally loses, misplaces, breaks, damages, or destroys a device, the Lynn Public Schools reserves the right to refer the matter to law enforcement. Students also may be subject to the Lynn Public Schools Discipline Code, as it may relate to device damage or destruction.

Policy Review
Given the rapid changes in technology, the Lynn Public Schools and Lynn School Committee should review this policy periodically, and should revise or update it as may be necessary for the times.

Adopted by the Lynn School Committee
October 13, 2022

DOWNLOAD THIS POLICY IN PDF FORMAT

Federal E-Rate Funding from Schools and Libraries Divisions

An assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware, software and other services that will be needed to maintain and improve education. 

This section is an assessment of the E-Rate eligible telecommunication services, software, and other services that are requested yearly by the Lynn Public Schools. The following is for Schools and Libraries funding year 10, FY08, a year in which the Lynn Public Schools qualifies for a shared discount of 85% (eighty – five percent reimbursements). The user ID field to be used on the corresponding funding request identifies each of the following sub-sections.

TELECOMMUNICATION
CENTREX/POTS

The Lynn Public Schools has approximately 230 Centrex like /POTS lines and (3) T1/PRI trunks in its schools and central offices. We are also in the process of adding "Voice over IP" Technology for Intercom use in schools and between schools and offices. This VIP Technology will, in time, drastically reduce the need for Centrex like/POTS lines. This is essential for communication between schools, district offices and parents.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

Access to the Internet is a key infrastructure component to many of the Lynn Public Schools instructional technology programs. The Lynn Public Schools utilizes an Internet link through a T1 connection directly to the Internet and then uses numerous T1 lines to create a wide area network to provide for high network reliability for all schools and offices. The Lynn Public Schools monitors Internet access bandwidth utilization on a continuous basis. These measurements ware used to define Internet access link capacity requirements and are the basis for an E-Rate funding request.

Internet service is requested for all schools and district offices.

LONG DISTANCE

Long distance telephone service is necessary to provide effective communication between the schools and various stakeholders and information and support providers. The Lynn Public Schools carefully monitors its long distance service utilization by providing access codes to its users. Funding will be requested based on the results of this monitoring. Long distance telephone service is requested for all schools and district offices.

NETWORK MAINTENANCE

The Lynn Public Schools has phone lines and networking wiring at all its schools. In many cases Lynn Public School's staff, 3 Technicians are used to ensure effective communication and network access for students. Also, funding is requested of the SLD to maintain the infrastructure that supports these functions.

SERVERS- INTERNAL CONNECTIONS

As schools receive technology upgrades, which include extensive network wiring, LAN equipment and a number of workstations they require network servers for such E-Rate eligible purposes as providing DHCP, DNS services. A funding request is submitted for upgrading servers at schools that have problematic servers and servers that are out of warranty.

SERVER MAINTAINENCE

The Lynn Public Schools maintains a complete inventory of server equipment used in its network and for what purposes they are used.

As schools undergo network upgrades and purchase additional workstations, switches are needed to be able to add these workstations to the network. 

WIRELESS LAN

To keep pace with the additional workstations being purchased and facilitate network and internet access, wireless LANs are being added to schools where data wiring isn't available.

WIRELESS PHONES

The Lynn Public Schools has approximately 220 wireless phones that enhance communication between schools, district office and parents. A continuous assessment is made of usage.

Wireless phone service is requested for all schools and district offices.

POLICY AND ASSESSMENT

The Schools and Libraries Division E-Rate Program has strict guidelines, assessments and auditing procedures. The Lynn Public School District strictly follows these policies and complies with yearly requests for assurances of compliance.

SUMMATION

The Lynn Public Schools has utilized and plans to continue to utilize, to the best of its abilities, the reimbursements provided by the Schools and Libraries Division E-Rate Program. This program has greatly increased our ability to provide effective technology to help meet the instructional needs of Lynn students. SLD Year 10 Funding was detailed and each year Lynn Public Schools will have internal issues addressed based on many factors, i.e. long term plan, budgetary and needs.

Instructional Software and Hardware Purchases

Effective technology plans begin with a focus on learning goals and they must be approved by the Lynn Public School’s Central Office to insure learning and technology are “compatible” with the district’s existing hardware/software and the district’s plan.

Lynn Public School’s basic rule of technology acquisition is that hardware (equipment) purchases should be driven by the software (instructional materials and applications) that best suit our school district’s instructional needs.  Reliability, compatibility and ease of use are important considerations in acquiring both hardware and software.  Focusing on “cutting edge” or “state-of-the-art” items can be a waste of resources, unless they address a specific need.

All purchases are made through the City of Lynn’s Purchasing Office and comply with all State and Federal regulations. One challenge in outlining hardware and supporting equipment needs is determining the right degree of specificity.  We must account for important constraints, such as cost or compatibility. 

In addition, we must be vigilant in our planning, to include collaboration with the appropriate departments to ensure a degree of consistency and compatibility with our hardware, software and network capabilities.  To that end, the following guidelines have been established:

- All technology purchase considerations must be approved centrally through the Network Administrator.  These technology purchases will be evaluated using the “Recommended Criteria for Evaluating Instructional Materials” that has been provided by the Massachusetts Department of Education. (April 2003)

- The Network Administrator will be responsible for consulting with appropriate departments to determine:
- Necessity
- Compatibility
- Reliability
- Affordability
- Alignment with the Lynn Public Schools District Improvement Plan

- The Network Administrator and will then approve or make recommendations to the requests.

- The Network Administrator will maintain an inventory and the location of:
- Computer Hardware / Peripherals
- Software / Licenses
- Warranties
- E-Rate Specific Equipment

UPDATE POSTED May 8, 2011