I don't believe I actually have anything in writing as far as policy--
I do have a 7 year plan in place as to ideal replacement, replacement
costs, where the replaced computers will go, etc. I share it
administratively for informational and budgeting purposes. But I do
work along the same idea as you--we replace them for a reason. There
are some who believe "this is mine because it was in my room". And
then believe they should be able to place it wherever (which I
sometimes agree with place it wherever). As I do my replacements I
have struggled with that, although it's gotten better the last few
years. I have administrator support, though, that we don't leave old
machines around just because we have them. (Isn't that why we're
replacing them?)
I have also learned to replace as much as possible over the summer so
I can fully execute my replacement plan. Or over a weekend.
;-)
I have a spin off question, though--I have a decent number of
computers sitting around that I have thought about selling to clear
them out. I haven't really done much more than the thinking stage--
but do you usually get board approval to do so? Wiped clean and free
to do so? How much do you typically charge for older machines?
Licensing problems? OK, maybe more than one spinoff question.
On Feb 14, 2008, at 8:58 AM, Lance Lennon wrote:
So I am getting machines ready for public sale (these machines have
been replaced). Now every teacher (okay not every, but quite a few)
is asking why I don't place them in the classrooms. They all
"need" more computers and feel that they should get these prior to
them being sold. I explain that these machines are old and that we
have a replacement policy in place and if I keep placing older
computers in rooms, then I will eventually have to manage some
50,000 machines (yeah that is an exageration, but give me some
artistic license here).
So I am asking all of you, how do you handle this type of request
(Other than "Want in one hand and "spit" in the other")
Do any of you have written policies on computer replacement, public
auction, computer to student ratio.
I am just battling the staff on this and am very frustrated. One
staffer has a close relationship (spouse) to a board member who is
now raising a bit of a stink even though that said board member
voted to okay the sale. UGGHHH!
Pulling out the remainder of my hair, please send any info.
Thanks
--
"When I die I'm going to leave my body to science fiction."
~Steven Wright
--
Lance L. Lennon
District Technology Director
Eagle Grove Community School District
515-448-5143
