The library committee has been working diligently to form a plan of how we could get the library up in running to best meet the needs of students.  The committee will present a plan to the board for consideration and possible approval in the May or June board meeting.  

I have been working with QNS and Jill Dare (she writes our e-rate grant) to look at our upcoming technology needs.  Internet reliability and quality is of high concern.  We have the ability to upgrade to a fiber network.  As we increase the amount of technology used in the building and move toward a 1:1 initiative this will be an absolute must.  The cost of a fiber network is an expensive monthly cost ($739/mo for 60 month contract or $1370/mo for a 36 month contract).  Currently, we are paying $144 a month.  However, with the e-rate grant 70% of our internet costs are reimbursed at the end of the year (and they really are).  Moving toward a fiber network and applying the e-rate discount our monthly bill would be $219/mo.  I would strongly recommend moving forward with the fiber network.  I am working on a five year technology plan which would get us closer to a 1:1 initiative but I truly believe the internet connection is the foundation we need to build upon.