The Fortigate Firewall that Technology Director Nicole Grannemann recommended the Gasconade County R-2 School District install is up and running, according to the Dec. 18 technology report.

“We are very appreciative and thankful that we were able to upgrade, as our previous firewall was causing numerous issues in our learning environment,” Grannemann said.

The previous firewall was causing the district to have to restart its internet, sometimes several times a day.

According to Grannemann’s monthly report, several software issues and professional development were the focus of the month.

“Our department is in the installation and implementation phase of our endpoint management software. This will streamline the process of imaging and deploying software to computers in our district,” Grannemann added.

In addition to the new firewall and learning to fully utilize the system’s software, Grannemann added that they were able to use the district’s eRate funds to purchase rack-mounted battery backups for switches and upgrade and additional 20 switches across the district — a project which is 75 percent complete.

A problem with AirServer, the district’s casting software in the classroom, was resolved after realizing there had been an update to the software.
“We had a workaround solution during that time but are pleased that the software is now functioning properly,” Grannemann reported.

A project to update TVs in the classroom was also completed and each space is now equipped with a TV instead of a projector.

Grannemann also gave the board a list of concerns.

“We are still experiencing major issues with the Lenovo 100 2nd Gen Chromebook,” she reported. “These devices encounter problems where the motherboard short circuits, leading to various keys not functioning. Additionally, it can cause power issues that render the device unusable or disrupt the functioning of the Wi-Fi.”

The issue with the model was not known when it was purchased, as it was the first year for the model. The district is still in possession of 250 devices.

“Despite the challenges, we have managed to keep devices in students’ hands with a surplus of devices we had on hand,” Granneman wrote. “If the devices continue to drop at this rate, we may be forced to purchase additional devices. All other Lenovo models have been reliable, but based on reviews and research, we have transitioned to HP-branded Chromebooks.”

Grannemann said the future needs of the district include replacing the aging security system, including cameras. Keyfobs at entry doors are beginning to lose functionality and require replacement or repairs. The safety grant the district was awarded has resulted in meeting initiations with companies to begin camera replacements.

“The list is likely to grow as we begin to evaluate equipment throughout the school year,” Granneman said in her report. “The primary issue we encounter is equipment reaching its end of life support. This means they no longer receive updates from the manufacturer, making them unsafe to use on the network and causing issues with websites and apps used by teachers and students.”

Also at the Dec. 18 session, Gasconade County R-2 Superintendent Dr. Jeri Kay Hardy updated the board of education on the district’s November 2023 financial summary, beginning with Debt Service.

“Our Debt service levy is at 67 cents for $100 of assessed valuation,” Hardy said. “Our Debt Service fund is at $1,824,676.25 and the next payment is due in March.”

Hardy mentioned remaining year-to-date fund balances including Incidentals: $8,002,776.25; Teachers: $1,314,325.77; and Capital Projects: $3,562,793.47.

The district is requesting a $16,500,000 no-tax-increase bond issue on the April 2 ballot for capital improvements.

The district also had its audit report on Nov. 13 and received an unmodified opinion.

“The audit went smooth and the staff was helpful,” said the Catlett and Associates auditor  (pictured left, addressing the R-2 directors). “Gasconade County  R-2 is a bright spot. There were no issues and we received all the documents.”

Board President Glenn Ely thanked the auditors for their time. The audit was approved with a 6-0 vote. R-2 students return to classes on Thursday.