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High-Impact Gifts:
Citrix Computer System:
With 1,000+ stand-alone computers populating district schools, it took an enormous amount of staff to program and maintain each PC. The Citrix technology, scheduled for completion district-wide in 2008, allows for programming in a central server, which saves on expensive licensing fees for individual computers and reduces maintenance costs. Considered one of the most advanced systems in the nation—Citrix is used in 99 percent of Fortune 500 companies—the Steamboat Springs School District is one of few educational organizations applying its use for both staff and students.
Among Citrix Benefits:
- Software can be updated more frequently
- Individual computers no longer need regular capacity upgrades, which extends the life of the equipment up to nine years
- Budget dollars previously earmarked for upgrades can now be used for additional three applications
- Because desktop systems interface with applications on a central server, the district’s older and existing PCs and Macs are equally as functional as newer ones
- When fully installed, Citrix will allow parents, students and teachers to connect online from anywhere in the world
Other Significant Gifts:
Kids Connect/Kids Produce:
Fund Board gifts to the Strawberry Park Elementary School have established a permanent station where students can create and share content through pod casts, Web casts, blogs and other electronic vehicles. Beyond acquiring technical proficiency, grade school children learn how to write quality content, produce sharp visuals, and hone in interviewing and editing skills to post reports on City Council, recycling and other timely topics.
Hardware and Software Upgrades in 2007-08:
The Fund Board gifted the district $424,500 to purchase new computers and $166,200 for software upgrades. The same amounts have been requested for 2008-09, which will help keep all technology initiatives on track.
Technology Director and Staff:
Fund Board gifts finance the Director of Technology and all technology staff positions. The gifts cover network upgrades and hardware and software technician salaries. It also covers training of technicians and maintenance personnel. In 2007-08 the Fund Board gifted $1.27 million dollars for technology requests. A comparable amount has been requested for the 2008-09 school year.
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