New Computer Network for North Kansas City School District

This month, the North Kansas City School District is beginning phase one of a year-long transition to a new $3-million computer network.

“The backbone of our system no longer supports our needs and must be replaced before we experience complete system failures,” district Executive Director of Technology Eric Sipes reported to the Board of Education last month.

Last week, the board held a special meeting to approve the purchase of hardware and software required for the project. McGladrey Technology Services will build the new system with assistance of district information technology staff.

The district’s technology needs are growing as enrollment has been increasing by about 250 or 300 students a year, according to information from the North Kansas City Schools website.

According to the schedule McGladrey presented to the school board, installation of the new network should be complete by July 31, 2012.

The district has budgeted existing bond money to pay for this project.