March 4, 2015 at 10:00 AM - Technology Committee Meeting

Discussion:  Call to Order at 10:00 Staff: David Ludwig, Deb Hericks, Craig Peterson, Rhonda Eis (DL), Scott Isaacson (DL) Visitors: Scott Jones, Dan Ellsworth (for Larianne Polk), Ron Cone

Discussion:  Scott Isaacson reported ID Infrastructure, Identity, Data, and applications, portal. Project Scope Elements - for each area (infrastructure, identity, data and applications) Product Scope - what features will be delivered when the project/phase is completed Project Plan - what we need to do to complete the project Cost Analysis - what the project will cost, and alternative costs Needs have been discussed and must be truly "statewide." Billing and sustainability have also been addressed/discussed.

Discussion:  Scott continues to work on "single sign-on." At this time the portal software needs to be re-defined for "Nebraska." At this time, Scott reported we are a bit behind regarding the "technology plan." Bob reported the cloud is a big piece of the data dashboard. He also said this will impact every school in the State of Nebraska. Brian Gegg added a question about "centers" and how it relates to certain ESUs. Network Nebraska as an option was also addressed. A list has been created, but not analyzed. Dave has visited with LPS and OPS also. IlliniCloud has also "donated" more equipment to Nebraska. IlliniCloud representatives will give updates during the regularly scheduled ESUCC Meeting.

Discussion:  A "draft" has been created by Scott Isaacson, so everyone can have access to relevant "Talking Points."

Discussion:  Dave and Scott have been working with Andrew Schlessinger at Safari. The cost has increased exponentially. Scott indicated we need to discuss in-depth alternatives as soon as possible. It was recommended that we continue to negotiate Safari and also analyze other relevant options.

Discussion:  MindShine is a company that designs software/solutions for K-12 schools and ESAs. Dave and Craig Peterson met with the owner to discuss possibilities, including a possible replacement for Safari and the ESchoolMall (Coop). The company has a team of 250 programmers that develop programs to meet individual organization needs. According to Craig, the cost is $35-$40 dollars per hour. Further discussions included vetting the company, necessary big process and questioning Safari about the original contract, and costs that were originally quoted.

Discussion:  An RFP has been created to received detailed proposals. The committee discussed Moodle, BlackBoard, Canvas and Schoology. This does not preclude other vendors from responding to the RFP and being assessed. The four aforementioned companies were discussed by an ad hoc LMS Committee. The committee recommends the continued work on the RFP process.

Discussion:  The committee discussed numerous elements found within the MSA. A focus was placed on Instructional Materials.

Discussion:  Dr. Uhing expressed the need to promote and train schools on NROC and EdReady.

Discussion:  Lincoln Diocese has requested to join Network Nebraska. Many issues were addressed including "fairness."

Discussion:  Mike Danahy has been offered the position.

Discussion:  Dr. Uhing shared information regarding the Data Dashboard and sustainability. In the future, approximately four years from now, the NDE will be moving from the NSSRS to the Data Dashboard. There will need to be a funding source, and one avenue might be the "technology bond fund" offered through the Nebraska Public Facilities Finance Act.