Why It's Needed

Demand for IT is recession-proof. As information technology improves generally, it's expected to solve all problems, and that means more work for your short-staffed IT unit. Examples:

• Layoffs? Let's automate paperwork to replace secretaries.
  
• NCLB documentation? Sounds like an IT problem.
  
• Improve community communication? How about a website?

Headaches and Hangovers Stall Momentum. Meanwhile, your IT staff is concerned about unmonitored use of the Internet, intrusion into confidential records, network slowdowns, lack of preparedness for disasters, and inadequate professional development-not to mention the network software no longer supported by the vendor or the aging computers that won't run the new email system you bought last year.

Abort, Retry, Fail? What's needed: a fresh look at the complicated set of issues facing every school district:

• A realistic assessment of how well your technology is currently meeting your district needs.
• A map to guide you to more efficient, better prioritized use of the technology you already have.

Next: What We Do