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Chapter 5
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY

This chapter examines the computers and technology services provided by the Crystal City Independent School District (CCISD) in the following sections.

A. Organizational Structure
B. Technology Planning and Funding
C. Instructional Technology and Training
D. Infrastructure
E. Technical Support

E. TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Technical support, like training, significantly influences how effectively technology is used in the classroom. Teachers, even those who are experienced computer users, often encounter
technology-related difficulties that interrupt their planning or classroom activities. Unless they receive quick responses to their questions, their effectiveness will be reduced.

When solutions to such problems are not provided promptly, teachers sometimes are forced to abandon the computers in the classroom and may be reluctant to resume even after problems are resolved. Schools that can resolve such difficulties quickly are best able to prepare their students effectively.

FINDING

Exhibit 5-12 describes the CCISD technology staffing levels and its peer districts.

Exhibit 5-12
CCISD & Peers, Technology Staffing Comparisons
2000-01
District Administrative Infrastructure
& Support		 Instructional
Crystal City Total Staff: 1 1 district coordinator 0 0
Cotulla
Total Staff: 2		 1 Technology director 1 Network administrator 0
Carrizo Springs
Total Staff: 3		 1 Technology director 2 computer technicians 0
Devine
Total Staff: 2 		1 Technology director 1 technician 0
Pearsall
Total Staff: 1		 1 Technology director 0 0
Source: Telephone interview with Technology administrators in peer districts.

Exhibit 5-13 describes CCISD's technology support staffing levels and its peer districts.

Exhibit 5-13
CCISD & Peers, Technology Support Staff Ratios
2000-01
  District   Total Technology Support Staff Ratio of Users to Technology Support Staff
Crystal City 168 1 168:1
Cotulla 220 2 110:1
Carrizo Springs 258 3 86:1
Devine 200 3 67:1
Pearsall 180 1 180:1
Source: Telephone interview with Technology administrators in peer districts.

The district's Technology coordinator is unable to keep up with the maintenance and training requirements. Most of the peer districts have Technology support staffs of more than one individual. The Technology Department needs a technician to support the computer users in the district.

A CCISD computer technician makes from $14,000 to $20,000 annually with benefits of 20 percent.

Recommendation 23:

Hire a computer technician.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND TIMELINE
1. The Technology coordinator develops a job description for the computer technician. November 2001
2. The director for Personnel posts the position. November 2001
3. The Technology coordinator interviews the applicants. December 2001
4. The Technology coordinator hires computer technician. January 2002

FISCAL IMPACT

The salary of the computer technician would be $20,000 plus benefits of 20 percent ($4,000) = $24,000. The first year estimate assumes one-half will be expended based upon a ten month contract and a January hire date.

Recommendation 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05
Hire a computer technician. ($12,000) ($24,000) ($24,000) ($24,000) ($24,000)