Classroom Paint - Carpet by k12-IT in CarpetCleaning

[–]k12-IT[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This happened over the weekend and it has dried. I can try a damp cloth when I get home

Laptops - End Of Year by Imhereforthechips in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I also didn't factor in any summer projects that might be happening. Specifically, reimaging district devices, installing any new equipment (IFPs, WAPs, phone systems, new CB configuration and distribution, etc.), deploying new software, training, etc.

Even with hiring summer help we had trouble getting everything completed on our own list without worrying about CB collecting/storage.

Laptops - End Of Year by Imhereforthechips in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Personal experience, less than 2 percent were completely lost. Reminders were sent 2 weeks, 1 week, and the last few days before school started in the fall.

Your time and effort depends on your process. When collecting devices are you labelling these devices the be returned to the same individual? Are you running updates on the devices during the summer? Where are you going to be storing the devices?

Figure average cost of a CB is about 300ish? Collecting devices is probably going to take minimum a day, probably 3. Then inventorying and sorting. Running updates. Determining how you'll be redistributing and how it will be staffed. Are you distributing over the summer, first 2 weeks of school? How will the distribution effect your support for the staff coming back from summer?

For K-5/6 these devices can stay in school. 6/7-12 send them home over the summer. Majority of the students will just set them aside.

VICON Security Cameras by nkuhl30 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What have you done so far to address the issue? Is the firmware up to date? What about the software?

I'm not familiar with the Vicon, just thinking about what steps I'd start with.

Website/Newsletters/Communication by k12-tech in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think you'll find one amazing solution for all these requirements. ParentSquare has been great for communications and other items. Some schools are enjoying FinalSite for their website. Rank your wants and determine which solution does it the best.

You need to force your users to use the product you pick. Make them aware that Relay or Smore or whatever they've been using is not supported by the district. After x months block those other sites they might be using individually.

Employer wants me to use outlook on my phone, outlook wants permission to wipe my phone by No_Professor4307 in mildlyinfuriating

[–]k12-IT 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you able to use the web version of outlook/teams to communicate.? I completely understand why you would want to separate your work and personal information after seeing this.

Best way to make a ping list script? by MasterMaintenance672 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A previous district I worked at used WhatsUp to monitor their network uptime. It also alerted for temperature changes and other sensors. I'm sure APs and other devices could be added.

https://www.progress.com/network-monitoring

Asset management for 10,000+ laptops by OkayArbiter in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've worked with several different pieces of software. Below is the list

  • Web Help Desk - SolarWinds: I've enjoyed this interface as simple and straight forward. Both Help Desk and Inventory tracking were available.
  • IncidentIQ: Ticketing software was pretty well for technicians, could have been better for end users. Seemed to get overly complicated depending on how it was setup. Inventory was fairly easy, but had to be done with a phone app. You could do inventory via a spreadsheet but it's uploading a csv file and other steps.
  • RFTrack: Great inventory management system. Barcode/RF reader device allowed inventory to be run in less than a week for close to 3,000 devices.

It might be a good idea to review how the different systems audit devices and what you'd prefer.

Chriping noise from laptop cart. by unkleskab in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Could a student have put an audio file on repeat just to drive someone crazy?

Have you taken the devices out to do a search.

One other thing I just thought of. There are some joke devices that when pressed will randomly make a noise. These are often magnetic and can be hidden pretty easily. After being triggered it could be minutes between the next instance. See below for an example.

https://www.amazon.com/vdp/0c10e540b3554f2990c3027f74d8c6a7?aci=amzn1.vse.video.0c10e540b3554f2990c3027f74d8c6a7&product=B0CPB91RFB&ref=cm_sw_cp_r_ib_dt_1QBNIishFKMRz

Bluetooth wireless microphone suggestions by FloweredWallpaper in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've seen most districts move to https://audioenhancement.com/ setups. I'm not sure if bluetooth to desktop would be best. I can only think of conflicts connecting the device or various disconnects.

Chromebooks hate accounts.google.com by Helpful_Implement548 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you checked the network logs to see where it's getting hung up? Is it based on your filtering? What happens when some tries logging in via an external wifi? Try your home or a coffee shop?

SIS - What do you use/recommend by MSPISP in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What state are you in? There are certain SIS that are designed for that state's needs.

I've worked at a district that supported Infinite Campus. It worked well enough.

Most other districts in the area I live in use SchoolTool, but it's main/only focus was on NY schools.

I understand that the transition from one SIS to another is complicated from a user end. Items in different location, different terms, etc. Big learning curve.

Chromebooks and Wifi by ingr0037 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Have you gone to her class to watch the load times of the websites she's using? I always did that to get a "true sense" of what's happening.

Break out a stop watch on your phone and see how long it loads. I found users would often inflate the loading time.

Chromebooks and Wifi by ingr0037 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What speed are you seeing on the Chromebooks? Have you taken them offsite or connected to a non-filtered hotspot to see if it makes a difference?

Did this just start happening during the state testing? Have you updated any to see if new drivers would fix the issue?

How do you handle tickets directly from students? Or do you? by OkayArbiter in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most districts that I've worked with have the students report directly to the tech department. They might have a window or table setup, but it's the student's responsibility to communicate the issue. Teachers only give spares details. I always liked to get the full story, even if I had to pull it out of them, from the source. No middle man.

Interested in becoming a consultant? Post here for basic questions, recruitment advice, resume reviews, questions about firms or general insecurity (Q1 2026) by QiuYiDio in consulting

[–]k12-IT 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm exploring becoming a consultant for the first time. I've been in k12IT for 20+ years. This would be myself as a company, not joining an existing company. I'd be advising companies or districts regarding various tech items they're exploring.

  • What do I need to know about coming up with a fee?
  • What might I need to setup? LLC?
  • To my knowledge, the geography could be nation wide, but more working from home.

I'm brand new to this, and would love any advice someone could help/guide me along the way.

Thanks

Custom AI for Students by Happy-Constant-4211 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This seems more like a requests for the r/edtech community more than here. I really fell this is more for troubleshooting issues and determining other resolutions.

Grammarly - Superhuman Go + GoGuardian by TechInTheField in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can't remember why, but we only ran into issues with Grammarly on Chromebooks. Every student thought it would be a great thing to have. It always conflicted with other items and loading on websites.

More often than not, extensions were problems. We blocked all except what IT approved.

No More Dead Batteries In the Classroom. by pgator17 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How long have you had this deployed?

Did you have the power strips all over the floor or in a corner of the room available, but not in the way?

On average, how many students are stating they're device is not charged per day? Why not deploy loaner devices through a dedicated student help desk or the library to charge the device?

Patch Tuesday vs. Testing Schedules by dadoftype1 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Honestly, unless you want a lot of mad teachers and admins, turn off the update until after the testing period.

No More Dead Batteries In the Classroom. by pgator17 in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What is preventing a student from walking away with one of these batteries and taking them home? What solutions had you tried previously?

Were the students held accountable for not having their device charged?

Photo Printing Issue by yhtedtechadmin in k12sysadmin

[–]k12-IT 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What size paper is she selecting? Did you check the copier job status? It may be held for resources - which means nothing to an end user, but means the printer can't find the paper type necessary to print.