Eric Soderquist
Director of Information Services
ESoderquist@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
P: 907.714.8878
F: 907.262.9645
Helpdesk
Department Overview
The Information Services department is responsible for a variety of technology related activities. Information Services is responsible for network infrastructure district-wide including wiring of buildings, computer repair and support, programming and support of the administrative information systems, i.e. Payroll, Human Resources, Financial Accounting, and Student Information Systems, among others. There are 12 Information Services employees with a broad mix of technology and business skills. We have a knowledgeable Information Services staff and our low staff turnover has allowed us to accomplish things far above the technology norm for public education.
Chart the technology direction for the district
Technology has been leading change in our district at an incredibly fast pace. In fall 1999, 87% of the district’s computers were Apple Macintosh, 57% of those older than five years old. Information Services has played a major role in the planning, decision, and aggressive transition to IBM Compatible PCs. PCs are now systematically replaced on a five to six year cycle. Over $1,000,000 has been spent on software ensuring that our students and staff have high quality software to go with the quality computer hardware installed. Four microcomputer technicians are divided among the schools to support the teachers and service the 8000+ Dell PCs in place today.
We have championed standardization, and have built an environment where we can provide reliable computing and an acceptable level of support to the schools with a minimum of technical support staff. KPBSD teaching and support staff have proven themselves up to the rapid technology changes put before them.
Further details on the technology vision in KPBSD can be found in our current technology plan.
Administrative Systems a priority too…
The district has many information systems in place for tracking and accounting for information and has substantial investment in those administrative systems. Information Services has been gradually moving the district away from the proprietary mainframe programming environment forward toward cost-effective PC server based information systems. From payroll and accounting to student performance and federal and state grant requirements, the requirements for information put on the district are immense. We make sure our administrative systems are up to the task.