Tuscola Intermediate School District Technology Plan
July 1, 2012-June 30, 2015
Tuscola Intermediate School District
1385 Cleaver Road
Caro, MI 48723
Gene Pierce, Superintendent
Phone: 989-673-2144
Fax: 989-673-5266
District Code: 79000
Tuscola County
Plan Contact:
Robert Frost, Information Systems Coordinator
Phone: 989-673-5300 ext. 310
Fax: 989-673-4228
URL: www.tuscolaisd.org/techplan/12-15.pdf
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District Mission Statement:
A commitment to serve…a promise to education.
Introduction:
Tuscola Intermediate School District (TISD) facilities are located in Caro (population
approximately 4,000), the county seat of Tuscola County in the rural “Thumb” peninsula of
Michigan, which is mostly agricultural farmland. While several small businesses and industries
exist in this area, most people commute to Saginaw, Bay City, Flint or other cities for
employment.
Nine K-12 public school districts, ten parochial schools and several home schools exist within
the TISD borders. The K-12 student enrollment is just under 10,000. Enrollment has declined
each of the last several years primarily due to the economic issues facing the county and state.
There are four buildings on the TISD campus, Tuscola Technology Center (CTE), Highland
Pines School (Special Ed.), Transition Center (Special Ed) and an Administrative Building. The
campus is located on M-24 one mile north of M-81. TISD provides teachers, technology and
administrative support to other smaller off-campus buildings including Betsy’s Place, Fowler
Center, Caro Regional Center, The Lighhouse and Pioneer Work and Learn. TISD also offers
special education itinerant services and technical support to the local districts. TISD is a member
of REMC10 and acts as the fiscal agent.
Technology Vision:
The Tuscola Intermediate School District will strive to install and maintain technology that will
have a direct impact on the learning experiences of our students and will assist the local school
districts in meeting their local technology goals.
Technology Goals:
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Finish the implementation of a fiber optic network connecting all schools in the REMC
10 region with interconnects to St. Clair RESA, Lapeer ISD, Saginaw ISD and BayArenac ISD.
Work with districts within the region to share and consolidate technologies leveraging the
new broadband network.
Increase the amount of virtual field trips and other distance learning opportunities.
Implement technology that ultimately saves the districts money.
Keep labs and classroom technology as up to date as possible.
Train all staff on technologies that are pertinent to them.
Use the TISD web site to market to and inform the public of our programs and services.
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Technology Planning Team:
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Lila Dereen, Building Usage Secretary, Tuscola Technology Center
Robert Frost, Information Systems Coordinator, TISD, Director of REMC 10
Gloria Gainforth, Secretary, Highland Pines School
Amy Hall, Information Systems Secretary, TISD
Tracy Henry, Principal, Highland Pines School
Danielle Hunkins, Information Systems Assistant, TISD
Tom Kuras, Information Systems Assistant, TISD
Shawn Petri, Principal & CTE Director, Tuscola Technology Center
Gene Pierce, Superintendent, Tuscola ISD
Dee Rigg, Audiologist, Highland Pines School
Dallas Schell, Data Specialist, TISD
Curriculum integration:
As an ISD the uses of technology are extremely broad. Uses range from a secretary doing daily
word processing to a computer driven welding device in the Welding program that integrates
with CAD drawings developed in the Drafting program to assistive/adaptive technology devices
used to help special education students learn to drive. In recent years our special education
department has become heavily involved in the NWEA testing and Compass Learning/E2020
curriculum tools. Our CTE programs are also beginning to use Compass Learning/E2020 as well
as KeyTrain more and more.
Technology integration in all of the CTE programs offered is almost second nature. The only
classes where you might find technology being used for technologies sake are in programs like
Computer Technology Management in which the students are being trained in areas like A+,
Network Plus, MCSE etc. In the other classes technology is being used in the context of the
career training area. As the example in the previous paragraph suggested, computers and
numerous other types of technology are being used throughout. Here are a few more examples:
Drafting Program uses numerous types of CAD stations, Visual Imaging Programs use Mac
systems for drawing, layout, and design, Marketing has desktop and laptop computers available
for students to participate in stock market simulations as well as the development of advertising
videos. There are dozens of other examples that could be listed as well.
All CTE programs are aligned with the MDE curriculum standards. All CTE programs also
operate based on national standards such as NATEF to allow students to successfully pass
nationally recognized certification exams.
In the Special Education area many of the same concepts apply. All staff involved in IEP
development have laptop or desktop computers that can be used to create an electronic IEP
document. Students with various types of physical and mental handicaps are able to use the
computer as a communication tool, drivers training aid, and learning device. Over the last
couple of years, many rooms have been upgraded with electronic whiteboard technology as well
as iPads.
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Another significant role of an ISD is to provide support services to the local school districts. For
the past several years Tuscola ISD has offered tech support services to local school districts at a
very reasonable rate.
In an attempt to promote more use of video conferencing and virtual fields trips, TISD has made
our portable polycom unit available at no cost. Information Systems staff are available to help
local districts find and book a virtual field trip and then the equipment is taken to the local
district, setup and tested. While the use of this equipment is still relatively small, it is gaining
some momentum. With the implementation of the broadband network, our biggest roadblock to
successful video conferencing will be removed.
All staff and most students have Internet access from their classrooms/offices. A distance
learning room exists at TTC that is capable h.323. This room also includes desktop computers to
allow for simultaneous room based video conferencing and Internet based research,
correspondence, etc. A portable video conferencing unit is also available for use on the TISD
campus as well as in the local school districts as mentioned above.
Community involvement is developed in numerous ways. Each building offers an annual open
house, parent teacher conferences occur multiple times per year and news releases are provided
to all local papers on a regular basis. The Tuscola County Advertiser offers a weekly section
called “School Beat” that runs positive stories about school activities. Highland Pines School
and the Tuscola Technology Center are featured at least monthly in School Beat.
Tuscola ISD also believes strongly in the power of a well-designed and content rich web site.
There is a web committee on staff that consists of one person per major area (CTE, Special Ed,
Instructional Services). This committee meets regularly to plan for future expansion of the web
site, develop further design ideas and work out any issues they are struggling to overcome with
current projects. Members of this committee regularly update the web site as part of their
everyday jobs. It is not uncommon for the web site to be updated multiple times per day.
Parent involvement in developing our plans and programs is crucial. Every CTE program has a
standing advisory committee that meets a minimum of two times per year. This committee
reviews the program curriculum and equipment and recommends changes as necessary. The
committee meeting minutes are then used as a guide when developing our technology plan
especially as it relates to curriculum integration changes and future technology purchases and
strategies.
Parent surveys and other communication tools are used with special education parents. Parents
also serve on many HPS committees and are always included in IEP and related meetings.
Parents and students are able to login to the districts student management system, Skyward,
through a web browser from anywhere on the Internet. Once logged in they can see daily
attendance, assignment grades, term and semester grades, lunch balances and other demographic
information related to their child.
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Parents of children at Highland Pines School are added to the districts School Reach automated
calling system. This system notifies parents immediately of school closings, delays or other
important emergency information. District staff are also in the system and notified of similar
events.
Tuscola ISD has a very extensive adult enrichment and GED program. Classes are offered in
the Fall and Spring semesters for High School Completion, Enrichment and GED preparation.
The Tuscola Technology Center is a certified GED testing site that trains and tests over one
hundred people per year in this area. The Tuscola Technology Center is also an ACT and
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) authorized testing center for students and the public to make
use of.
Through the TISD distance learning system, staff and community members are able to take
classes from Saginaw Valley State University at the TTC building. By taking the classes via
distance learning people are able to save driving between 45 and 120 minutes one way to take
the same classes on campus.
We believe that another part of adult literacy is adult access to information. Tuscola ISD
partners with Rawson Memorial Library in Cass City in a wireless network that allows the
Library very low cost access to Internet services. Tuscola ISD Information Systems staff also
support the technology needs at the Rawson Memorial Library. Through this partnership we
have helped the library and historical society develop an online database for a cemetery as well
as an online searchable system for the Cass City area newspapers dating back to the early 1900’s.
The timeline for curriculum integration is a very gray area. As you can see from several of the
examples above, curriculum integration already exists throughout the district. Further
integration will take place as the training and equipment to be acquired occurs as outlined
throughout the rest of this document.
Professional Development:
The Information Systems Department staff provide a significant amount of training to both ISD
and LEA staff. Training opportunities are available in one-on-one, small group and lab type
environments and may take place mornings, day time or after school.
In the 2006/07 school year, TISD administration committed to six one half day training sessions
per year for all clerical staff. This concept has continued annually since 06/07 and will continue
indefinitely. A survey is conducted very early in the year to determine skill level and interest of
our current staff to help guide the content of the sessions. Staff are given the opportunity twice a
year to take any of the MOS certification tests that they feel prepared for. Our goal is to bring all
staff up to a minimum baseline level and then enhance everyones abilities from that point.
Part of the contract that the teachers have with the district refers to individual professional
development. Each teacher is guaranteed two additional conference type days per year. In most
cases these days are taken to learn a new curriculum related technology.
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In addition to administration taking part in the professional development that teachers have
available, TISD has an annual summer administrative pd day usually in August. This day offers
a variety of sessions covering numerous topics and also offers an opportunity for networking.
Information Systems Department staff attend monthly meetings of the Thumb Educational
Technology Professionals (ETP). Many of these meetings include half or full day trainings in
addition to the valuable networking between tech people that occurs.
Existing technology infrastructure:
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TISD campus is currently connected to a regional fiber network via single-mode fiber
with the closest connecting point being Sanilac ISD
TISD, as a part of the REMC 10/Air Advantage Broadband Project will have a direct
fiber connection to every LEA in the County as well as to the ISD’s and LEA’s in Huron
and Sanilac Counties. This network also interconnects to Bay-Arenac ISD, Genesee ISD,
Lapeer ISD, Saginaw ISD, St. Clair RESA.
Fiber connections to the LEA’s and to the REMC 10 ISD’s will be 10Gbit with the ISD
acting as a NOC location with a core switch.
All buildings on the TISD campus are connected via multi-mode fiber
Lighthouse School location connected to TISD campus via a district owned wireless
connection
On the TISD campus, every classroom, office and meeting room is wired with Category 5
or above cable
o TISD Admin building is 100% Cat 6
o Highland Pines School is 100% Cat 6
o Technology Center is a combination of Cat 5, 5e and 6
o Transition Center is 100% Cat 5e
Each of the off-campus buildings rely heavily on internal wireless access points for
connectivity
On the TISD campus, every port is connected to a Cisco POE capable Switch
o TISD Admin building is a combination of 3524-PWR (10/100) and 3750G
(10/100/1000) switches
o Highland Pines Schools is 100% 3750G 10/100/1000 switches
o Technology Center is a combination of 3524-PWR (10/100), 3550-T/G
(10/100/1000) and 3750G (10/100/1000) switches
o Transition Center is a single 3524-PWR 10/100 switch
Every Cisco 3524-PWR switch contains a gigabyte uplink port connecting to a Cisco
3550T or 3750G core switch
All servers and 3550/3750 switches are connected via either copper or fiber running at
one gigabit per second. Two key closets at the TTC building are configured as
EtherChannel providing an effective throughput of two gigabits per second
All switches and servers are connected to UPS devices
Most servers are HP rack mount devices and centrally located in the Information Systems
Department
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TISD operates several dozen servers in it’s NOC. The majority of the servers are
virtualized using VMWare esxi technology. Those that are not currently virtualized are
planned to be.
PC client machines run either Windows XP Pro or Windows 7 and connect at either
100mbps or 1gbps.
All client machines are running Microsoft Office Professional 2003, 2007 or 2010.
All client machines have Internet access
Fortigate Internet content filter installed and shared with Sanilac ISD as well as several
LEA’s as well as Rawson Library.
All client machines are filtered by Internet filter
Internet connections provided by Merit & Air Advantage. TISD currently contracts for
100mbps of total Internet bandwidth between the two providers and plans to use a load
balancing device between the two.
Distance Learning provided by 2 mobile Polycom units and one fixed Polycom unit.
Symantec Endpoint Protection is installed on all servers and client machines and
purchased in a consortium with other REMC 10 districts.
Microsoft ISA server is used as the Internet firewall and caching device
All client machines are behind the firewall
Cisco ip telephony system installed, all classrooms, offices and most meeting rooms have
ip phones
All servers are backed up using a Windows 2003 server connected to a SATA raid
managed by Backup Exec Enterprise Edition. The backup server is located in another
building on campus, providing off-site backup capabilities to the Tech Center MDF.
Cisco wireless access points in all buildings on campus, combination of 1130b and 1230
a/b/g AP’s.
Wireless bridges used to connect to wireless partners
All new switches acquired will be Cisco brand switches and meet all standards that our existing
switches meet. All new servers will be HP brand servers to allow for continued smooth
operation with our existing equipment.
Major technologies to be acquired with timeline and budget information:
(Also includes services with significant recurring fees)
(All budgeted amounts are estimated)
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2012/2013 fiscal year
o Cash match for REMC 10/Air Advantage Broadband Project, $20,000 one time
fee, funding sources: Shared CGS*
o Fiber optic network connecting all LEA’s in the County and other ISD’s in the
region, $9 million, funding source: ARRA via REMC 10/Air Advantage
Broadband Project.
o Cisco 4500 Series Core Switch with 48 port 10/100/1000 POE line card, dual
supervisor cards, dual power supplies and adequate 10Gbit optics to connect to all
TISD LEA’s as well as to other ISD’s in the region. $105,000, funding sources:
REMC 10 and E-Rate.
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o Wireless system upgrades to TTC & ISD Admin Building, $3,000, funding
sources: Shared CGS*
o Broadband connection to Betsy’s Place, DS3 or Metro Ethernet, $600/month,
funding sources: Special Ed.
o Merit Internet connection via fiber connection 50 mbps, $15,120, funding
sources: USF, Consortium Partners, General Ed, CTE, Special Ed
o Air Advantage Internet connection via fiber connection 50 mbps, $13,080,
funding sources: USF, Consortium Partners, General Ed, CTE, Special Ed
o Install natural gas powered generator for broadband equipment, TISD NOC
equipment and a few other critical items at HPS and TTC, $20,000, funding
sources: ARRA via REMC 10/Air Advantage Broadband Project, Shared CGS*
o Internet connection via DSL to Caro Regional Center, $1,200, funding source:
USF and Special Ed
o Internet connection via wireless connection to Stars Facility, $1,200, funding
source: Speedconnect EBS Lease Agreement with REMC 10
o Cellular service for administrative, technical and some transportation staff,
$19,200, funding source: USF, CTE, Special Ed, Gen Ed
o Maintenance fee renewal for Skyward student and finance, $13,500, funding
source: Shared CGS*
o Implementation of ISD wide Skyward Student & Finance system with supporting
hardware, $450,000: Shared CGS, LEA cost share.
o Replace a 20% of the Special Ed laptops because of age and disrepair, $20,000,
funding source: Special Ed
o Replace TTC Graphics Lab with 24 new workstations, $20,000, funding source:
CTE. (Move current ncomputing PC’s to Ad Design Lab to replace old Macs)
o Purchase Adobe CS6 site license, $6,500, shared CGS*
o Continue existing Novell SLA agreement for Netware, Zenworks and Groupwise
$2,200, funding sources: Shared CGS*
o Replace security camera system at HPS with ip based system, $12,000, funding
source: Special Ed.
o Continue All-Data automotive package subscription for TTC Auto related labs,
$1,500, funding source: CTE
o Purchase 10 iPad’s for use in HPS classrooms, $6,000, funding sources: Grants
and Special Ed.
2013/2014 fiscal year
o Annual maintenance fee for broadband project, 5,000, funding sources: Shared
CGS*
o Broadband connection to Betsy’s Place, DS3 or Metro Ethernet, $600/month,
funding sources: Special Ed, USF.
o Merit Internet connection via fiber connection 100 mbps, $22,000, funding
sources: USF, Consortium Partners, General Ed, CTE, Special Ed
o Air Advantage Internet connection via fiber connection 100 mbps, $19,000,
funding sources: USF, Consortium Partners, General Ed, CTE, Special Ed
o Internet connection via DSL to Caro Regional Center, $1,200, funding source:
USF and Special Ed
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o Internet connection via wireless connection to Stars Facility, $1,200, funding
source: Speedconnect EBS Lease Agreement with REMC 10
o Cellular service for administrative, technical and some transportation staff,
$19,200, funding source: USF, CTE, Special Ed, Gen Ed
o Maintenance fee renewal for Skyward student and finance, $130,000, funding
source: Shared CGS*, LEA Cost Share
o Replace a 20% of the Special Ed laptops because of age and disrepair, $20,000,
funding source: Special Ed
o Replace Ad Design Lab with 24 new workstations, $20,000, funding source:
CTE. (Move current ncomputing PC’s to other classrooms)
o Novell or Microsoft SLA agreement for Server O/S and Enterprise E-mail $2,200,
funding sources: Shared CGS*
o Replace security cameras at TTC with ip based cameras, $8,000, funding source:
CTE.
o Continue All-Data automotive package subscription for TTC Auto related labs,
$1,500, funding source: CTE
o Purchase 10 iPad’s for use in HPS classrooms, $6,000, funding sources: Grants
and Special Ed.
o Replace 10 office computers at HPS, $10,000, funding source: Special Ed
o Implement SAN System, $50,000, funding source: Shared CGS* & REMC 10
Consortium members cost share
o Replace 6 workstations in Student Services Office, $6,000, funding source: CTE
o Replace Drafting lab at TTC, $12,000, funding source: CTE
2014/2015 fiscal year
o Annual maintenance fee for broadband project, 5,000, funding sources: Shared
CGS*
o Broadband connection to Betsy’s Place, DS3 or Metro Ethernet, $600/month,
funding sources: Special Ed, USF.
o Merit Internet connection via fiber connection 150 mbps, $25,000, funding
sources: USF, Consortium Partners, General Ed, CTE, Special Ed
o Air Advantage Internet connection via fiber connection 150 mbps, $23,000,
funding sources: USF, Consortium Partners, General Ed, CTE, Special Ed
o Internet connection via DSL to Caro Regional Center, $1,200, funding source:
USF and Special Ed
o Internet connection via wireless connection to Stars Facility, $1,200, funding
source: Speedconnect EBS Lease Agreement with REMC 10
o Cellular service for administrative, technical and some transportation staff,
$19,200, funding source: USF, CTE, Special Ed, Gen Ed
o Maintenance fee renewal for Skyward student and finance, $130,000, funding
source: Shared CGS*, LEA Cost Share
o Replace a 20% of the Special Ed laptops because of age and disrepair, $20,000,
funding source: Special Ed
o Novell or Microsoft SLA agreement for Server O/S and Enterprise E-mail $2,200,
funding sources: Shared CGS*
o Continue All-Data automotive package subscription for TTC Auto related labs,
$1,500, funding source: CTE
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o Replace 5 workstations in Admin Services Office, $5,000, funding source: CTE
*Shared CGS indicates a percentage of the cost will come from each of the 3 major budget areas of Tuscola ISD
CTE, General Fund and Special Ed.
Maintenance and support of new and existing technology:
Tuscola ISD has an extensive technical support team on-staff that handles specifications, bidding
and installation of new equipment, maintenance of existing equipment, staff training and grant
writing.
The primary role of the Information Systems Department is the installation, maintenance and
management of all technologies. This department deals with the ISD facilities as well as offering
support services at a low hourly rate to the local districts.
Technical Support Staff:
• Robert Frost, Information Systems Coordinator
• Dallas Schell, Data Specialist
• Tom Kuras, Information Systems Assistant
• Danielle Hunkins, Information Systems Assistant (half time)
• David Kirk, Information Systems Assistant (half time)
• Amy Hall, Information Systems Secretary
• 1-Morning Co-op student, 1-Afternoon Co-op student
Consortiums:
Tuscola ISD has had a long standing Internet Consortium of Schools, Libraries and
Governmental Agencies. The Information Systems Department supports this system as well.
This consortium allows for significantly reduced Internet costs because of cost and bandwidth
sharing for the Internet service as well as services such as firewalls, content filtering and support
staff. The following partners are included in the Internet consortium:
• Cass City Schools (original founding member) (Wireless)
• Kingston Schools (started 05/06) (Wireless)
• Mayville Schools (started 08/09) (T1)
• Rawson Memorial Library (original founding member) (Wireless)
• Tuscola County Government (Wireless)
As a result of the broadband project, we expect to be purchasing Internet on a REMC wide basis
which will expand the consortium to potentially include 2 other ISD’s and all 24 LEA’s in the
region.
Another cost saving consortium is in place for sharing of an anti-spam appliance (Barracuda).
Tuscola and Sanilac ISD jointly purchased the appliance and paid for the initial 3 years of
maintenance. Tuscola ISD hosts and does the daily activities related to operation of the
appliance. Several partners pay a small annual fee to help offset these costs.
• Tuscola ISD
• Sanilac ISD
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• Brown City Schools
• Cass City Schools
• Kingston Schools
• Mayville Schools
• Peck Schools
• Sandusky Schools
This consortium is also expected to expand significantly as a result of the broadband project.
A consortium is also in place to share the cost of an Internet Content Filter appliance (Fortigate).
Each member is able to setup their own filtering rules based on ip address range. This
consortium currently consists of the following members:
• Tuscola ISD
• Sanilac ISD
• Cass City Schools
• Kingston Schools
• Rawson Memorial Library
• Sandusky Schools
This consortium is also expected to expand significantly as a result of the broadband project.
A number of other consortium memberships exist; several examples of our participation have
been mentioned throughout this document:
• Greater Thumb Telecommunications Consortium (GTTC)
• Thumb Education Technology Professionals (ETP)
• Regional Educational Media Center #10 (REMC)
• MiCTA
• Hospital Purchasing
Supporting resources:
Supporting resources have and will continue to be available to staff. A quality Internet
connection provides an important link to web based research as well as participation in local,
state and national list serves and streamed media content (Adobe Connect, webinars, i-Linc
sessions, etc).
REMC 10 provides Moodle services at no charge to all member districts. This system will
become increasingly important as a solution for the new High School Graduation requirements
that require an online learning experience.
Manuals, self paced training videos/cd/dvd based training as well as the technical support staff
are always available. Additional materials will be considered and purchased if necessary.
Discovery Education is also available to all staff as a service of our REMC 10 membership.
Leveraging of all available funding sources:
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Universal Service Fund discounts have been applied for every year since the programs inception.
While most years our district buildings have only qualified for priority one discounts, the last
few years economic times in the area have declined significantly causing free/reduced lunch
rates to rise resulting in our ability to file for priority two items such as switches and servers. A
priority two application for 2010/11 was funded with Tuscola ISD as the billed entity for
electronics to run the new broadband system. These will be purchased at the beginning of thw
2012/13 fiscal year. Priority 1 funding will continued to be filed annually for all relevant
services.
The ARRA (federal stimulus) monies were secured in a partnership between REMC 10 and Air
Advantage to build hundreds of miles of fiber optic connecting all of the schools in the REMC
10 region. This is a $9 million network that will serve our districts for the next 30+ years. An
IRU between REMC 10 and Air Advantage is expected to be signed soon locking in access to
this network for 30 years with a 10 year renewal option.
Evaluation of the plans effectiveness:
Evaluation will take place throughout the life of the plan in many ways. The Information
Systems Coordinator will evaluate the day to day implementation of the plan. The Technology
Planning Committee will meet annually to evaluate the status of the plan and make adjustments
as necessary. The committee will also extend the plan as necessary.
Students in several areas take nationally recognized certification tests throughout the year. Their
achievements on these tests play a significant role in helping us determine how applicable our
training programs are.
A relatively new CTE based evaluation called TRACK review is another annual evaluation tool
that we analyze the results of to guide us in the implementation and adjustments to this plan.
While TRACK is specific to CTE other similar evaluations are done throughout our campus,
such as NCA at HPS.
Student Safety:
All systems connected to the Tuscola ISD network are forced to pass through the districts
Internet filter. While no filter is fool proof or perfect, technology support staff will continue to
tweak the system as needed and keep the system current to provide the maximum level of
protection possible especially to the students accessing the network resources. Training children
on the dangers associated with Internet access is also something that is taken very seriously. As
such, the district promises to continue educating minors about appropriate online behavior,
including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms.
The district will also promote cyber bullying awareness and provide adequate response to any
instances of it.
One example of this training is a program that started in the 07/08 school year. All ninth grade
special education students in the County were brought in for a one day workshop on numerous
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issues. One of the required breakout sessions was about Internet predators, cyber bullying and
general Internet safety issues. This program is planned to be an annual event.
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Attachment 1 – TTC - Staff Acceptable Use Policy
Y. INTERNET POLICY FOR STAFF
The following is TISD Board Policy:
A. Information Technology Environment
It is the policy of the Tuscola Intermediate School District to provide and maintain Information
technology resources to all staff and students and to provide an atmosphere that encourages
access to the knowledge and sharing of information.
1. The district will provide training and support in the effective utilization of information
technology to all users.
2. The district will not be responsible for the accuracy or quality of information received
through third-party networks and will not be held accountable for the security of any
users access.
3. The district reserves the right to review and edit any information it feels does not
facilitate learning or enhance the educational information exchange consistent with the
purpose of the TISD.
B. Standard of Conduct—Information Technology
Access to the district’s information technology environment is a privilege and must be treated as
such by all users of these systems. This privilege shall be granted after appropriate training is
administered. Any user who, without authorization, accesses, uses,destroys, alter, dismantles, or
disfigures the district’s information technology properties or facilities, as well as, those owned
by third parties, thereby threatened the atmosphere of increased access and sharing of
information and has engaged in unethical and unacceptable conduct.
Such actions include, but are not limited to:
1. The use of proxy servers or any other method of intentionally bypassing district filtering
technology is strictly prohibited and will result in loss of network/computer privileges.
2. Violating third party copyright or patent protection as well as license agreements and
contracts.
3. Interfering with the intended use of the information resources.
4. Seeking to gain or gaining unauthorized access to information resources.
5. Destroying, altering, dismantling, disfiguring, preventing rightful access to, or otherwise
interfering with the integrity of information resources.
6. Invading privacy of individuals or entities that are users or subjects of the information
resources.
7. All modifications and additions to the district’s information systems are to be performed
by authorized personnel only. Users may not make alterations to hardware/software
systems or settings without proper authorization. This policy is applicable whether
utilizing resources on district property or from remote locations - - - individually
controlled, shared, stand alone, or networked. Individual buildings within the district
may define the conditions for use of facilities under their control.
8. Any member of the TISD found engaged in unethical and unacceptable conduct with the
district’s information technology environment shall be subject to disciplinary actions.
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Such actions may include, but are not limited to: warning, revoked privileges, financial
restitution, suspension, and legal action. The individual buildings within the district
consistent with this policy shall further define these actions.
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Attachment 2: TUSCOLA TECHNOLOGY CENTER INTERNET, NETWORK AND
COMPUTER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP)
Privilege / Not a Right
Users may access available Internet, network and computer resources to facilitate learning
and enhancing educational exchange.
Responsibilities
1. Users are responsible for utilizing District technology only for facilitating learning and
enhancing educational information exchange based on District curriculum and
instructional goals.
2. Users must comply with etiquette rules related to the use of the network, conservation of
time, and file storage limitations.
3. Users are responsible for maintaining the privacy of passwords and are prohibited from
publishing or discussing passwords with anyone.
4. Users shall have no expectations of privacy when using the system. Systems may be
monitored for appropriate use at any time without the users knowledge or consent.
5. Users are not to use e-mail except in specific curriculum applications. Violation of
privacy and inappropriate communications received via e-mail must be promptly reported
to the program instructor.
6. Users are prohibited from using Internet and District technology for private gain or
product advertisement.
7. Users are responsible for properly using and caring for hardware and software within
computer labs and classrooms.
8. Users are prohibited from installing any software except as specifically directed by
District staff.
9. Users are prohibited from installation of computer viruses on District equipment. Users
are responsible for using the virus protection software maintained on the network to
further prevent the transfer of computer viruses on District equipment. Users are
prohibited from disabling anti-virus software.
10. Users must not access or display inappropriate material, such as but not limited to,
pornography, obscenities, or other material deemed inappropriate for educational
purposes. Access must be specifically related to class assignments.
11. Use of chat rooms and/or any type of instant messaging except as a specific class project
is prohibited.
12. Downloading of any files except for specific class assignments is prohibited. Any
downloaded files must be scanned for viruses prior to use or installation.
13. Users must not login or attempt to login with any user id or password other than their
own.
14. The use of proxy servers or any other method of intentionally bypassing district filtering
technology is strictly prohibited and will result in loss of network/computer priveledges.
Disciplinary Action
1. Users violating any Acceptable Use Policy responsibilities will be prohibited from using
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technology resources and other District hardware and software.
2. Users will be required to make full financial restitution for any damages or unauthorized
expenses that the District incurs for violation of this agreement.
3. Users violating any of the responsibilities may face additional disciplinary or legal action
deemed appropriate in accordance with the District disciplinary policy and appropriate
federal or state laws.
4. Users will be disciplined for violating the privileges including but not limited to:
Violations of any of the responsibilities set forth in this agreement;
Using a user id or password other than his/her own;
Modifying or defacing hardware or software;
Improperly exiting established menus or applications;
Using software prohibited in labs and classrooms.
Users found in violation of the Acceptable Use Policy can expect the minimum following action
to be taken:
First Offense: The loss of all Internet and/or network and/or computer privileges for nine
weeks. The offense will be recorded in the users student file.
Second Offense: The loss of all Internet and/or network and/or computer privileges for the
remainder of the school year.
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Attachment 3 – HPS - Student Acceptable Use Policy
P. INTERNET USAGE POLICY
The use of Highland Pines School classroom computers support learning and enhance classroom
instruction. Students will utilize the computers in the building in a responsible, ethical, and legal
manner. Failure to adhere to this guideline will lead to disciplinary action. Unacceptable uses of
the computer network include but are not limited to:
1. Violating United States and/or Local Law
2. Using and/or viewing profanity, obscenity or other language, which may be offensive
to others.
3. Copying commercial software in violation of copyright law.
4. Viewing material on the internet which is violent, obscene, or degrading to persons,
animals, or groups.
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Attachment 4 – Tuscola ISD Board Policy (applies to all TISD staff including Tuscola
Technology Center and Highland Pines School staff)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT
GM
It is the policy of the Tuscola Intermediate School District to provide and maintain information technology
resources to all staff and students and to provide an atmosphere that encourages access to the knowledge
and sharing of information.
A.
The district will provide training and support in the effective utilization of information technology
to all users.
B.
The district will make every effort to ensure the integrity of the system.
C.
The district will not be responsible for the accuracy or quality of information received through
third-party networks and will not be held accountable for the security of any user's access.
D.
The district reserves the right to review and edit any information it feels does not facilitate
learning or enhance the educational information exchange consistent with the purpose of the
Tuscola Intermediate School District.
Policy Adopted: August 18, 1997
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STANDARDS OF CONDUCT - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
GMA
Access to the district's information technology environment is a privilege and must be treated as such by all
users of these systems. This privilege shall be granted after appropriate training is administered. Any user
who, without authorization, accesses, uses, destroys, alters, dismantles, or disfigures the district's
information technology properties or facilities, as well as those owned by third parties, thereby threatens the
atmosphere of increased access and sharing of information and has engaged in unethical and
unacceptable conduct. Such actions include, but are not limited to:
A.
Violating third party copyright or patent protection as well as license agreements and other
contracts.
B.
Interfering with the intended use of the information resources.
C.
Seeking to gain or gaining unauthorized access to information resources.
D.
Destroying, altering, dismantling, disfiguring, preventing rightful access to, or otherwise
interfering with the integrity of information resources.
E.
Invading privacy of individuals or entities that are users or subjects of the information
resources.
All modifications and additions to the district's information systems are to be performed by authorized
personnel only. Users may not make alterations to hardware/software systems or settings without proper
authorization. This policy is applicable whether utilizing resources on district property or from remote
locations--individually controlled, shared, stand alone, or networked. Individual buildings within the district
may define the conditions for use of facilities under their control.
Policy Adopted: August 18, 1997
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DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
GMA A
Any member of the Tuscola Intermediate School District found engaged in unethical and unacceptable conduct with the
district's information technology environment shall be subject to disciplinary actions. Such actions may include, but are not
limited to:
warning
revoked privileges
financial restitution
suspension
legal action
These actions shall be further defined by the individual buildings within the district consistent with this policy.
Disciplinary sanctions against employees, including non-renewal, suspension and termination of employment, shall be in
accordance with the prescribed procedural and substantive requirements of District policies, administrative regulations and
procedures, any applicable collective bargaining agreement or individual contract, and applicable statutes.
Policy Adopted: August 18, 1997
INTERNET FILTERING
GMB
The Superintendent shall be responsible for directing appropriate District technology staff, or technology consultant staff, to
bring all computers used by children into full compliance with all federal requirements regarding Internet filtering software so
as to assure that District discounts under the federal e-rate program are not jeopardized.
Any District computer used by students shall have Internet filtering software in place either on the computer itself or on the
server through which the computer accesses the Internet.
District staff shall not allow students to use any computer in the District with Internet capability that does not have Internet
filtering software. This includes any computer, laptop or desktop, in the District’s libraries or media centers, classrooms,
laboratories, or offices where students are, for any reason, allowed to use a computer, or any other such device, with
Internet access.
Staff members violating these rules are subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
Policy Adopted: April 16, 2001