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LISBON -- As a part of trying to keep up with the technology behind the scenes running the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, the board on Tuesday agreed to allow Superintendent Chuck Adkins to seek bids to upgrade the technology behind the security system.
Adkins and Phil James, technology director, talked to the board about some of the upgrades which have been made to the technology system including the network servers infrastructure and the backup system, which control the computers, internet, phones and other parts of the system. James said he loves his job and tries to include the CCCTC instructors in determining what technology needs they have for their individual programs.
However, Adkins said there have been some problems with the outdated security system and making repairs would cost $12,000, plus more money down the road. Additionally, they will need to add to the system for the new nursing wing addition being added starting this summer, which Adkins said will cost another $12,000.
Although it will cost more to change from the current system to an ethernet system, Adkins said in the long run it will pay for itself in repairs that do not need to be constantly made. He estimates it could cost up to $100,000 to purchase and install the new technology.
The current system goes down from time to time, for instance when electrical demand in the building is at its highest.
The board agreed to allow the security system improvements to be bid out.
In other matters:
-- Precision Machining instructor Matt Peters secured a $14,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation for helping the program obtain NIMS credentials for students and student scholarships. NIMS credentials are industry-recognized achievements which help students prove what they know to obtain employment later.
-- Dr. Kelly Darney, director of adult education, reported 25 adult nursing students were graduating this week from the first LPN to RN class, including six who received honor cords for having a GPA above a 3.8. Four of those have a 4.0 GPA.
-- The board approved employing Kelly Clark as the adult education nursing coordinator starting July 1; Kathy Bowers as an adult education LPN to RN instructor; Michael Boyle as a certified/licensed substitute; Mary Doty and Miranda Handley as occasional/seasonal employees for the kitchen this summer; and David Hughes as a volunteer in the welding program.
-- The board approved donations of 30 yards of topsoil from Hill Crest Excavating to the landscape environmental design program and a four-cylinder engine from Columbiana Ford to the Auto technology services program.
-- The next meeting of the board will be held at 6 p.m., May 21, so board members can attend the Senior Awards Night at 7 p.m., May 21. A second Senior Awards Night for half of the students will be held at 7 p.m., May 22.
djohnson@mojonews.com