Schools
District 180 Approves Wiring Upgrade in Schools
Project will increase Internet connectivity at Ann M. Jeans Elementary and Burr Ridge Middle schools.
The District 180 School Board approved plans for a $100,000 wiring project at Ann M. Jeans Elementary School and Burr Ridge Middle School that in the end could only cost the district $10,000.
The district was awarded about $90,000 through the E-Rate program, which is administered though the Federal Communications Commission. The E-Rate program provides discounts to schools and libraries to obtain affordable access to the Internet and other communications tools. Funds are derived from service fees charged to telecommunications companies.
“This is just fantastic. We’re fortunate and excited about the chance to upgrade the wiring in the building,” Superintendent Tom Schneider said. “And at 10 percent it’s a great deal.”
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The district may have to spend up to $5,000 for construction fees and insurance, which could increase costs to $15,000, Sschneider said.
The wiring project will allow the school to build upon a fiber optics system installed last year. The system, which was also funded through E-Rate, improved Internet connections from the school buildings. The new wiring plan will allow more computers to access the Internet at the same time without slowing connectivity speed, Schneider said.
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The board approved Computer Power Systems to complete the district’s wiring proposal pending final approval by the district’s attorney.
The wiring project at AMJES will start over the winter break and the work at Burr Ridge Middle School will begin over summer break.
Schneider said the wiring at Burr Ridge Middle School dates back to the 1980s.
“We need to make sure that wiring is up to take to connect with the fiber optics,” Schneider said.
District officials began looking for funds to improve technology in the schools about four years ago.
“Our emphasis was on student access to technology and this infrastructure piece is the last piece of the puzzle,” he said.
Additionally the district upgraded the telephone systems, brought in more computers for the students, upgraded computer labs and the servers. Schneider said the new wiring will make the wireless connectivity better.
