Problems
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, a non-profit school in Kansas City, KS faced significant challenges with its aging technology infrastructure.
- Poor audio clarity in classrooms hindered effective announcements.
- An outdated bell scheduling system required manual adjustments due to outdated software that no longer aligned with daylight savings time.
- A consumer-grade doorbell was ineffective in 2-way communication between the front office and the school’s entrance.
Solution
Dan Norman, technology volunteer for the school, developed a phased approach to modernize the infrastructure. His solution involved several key steps:
- Comprehensive Cabling Upgrade: The first step was to replace all the outdated cabling with Cat6, anticipating future needs for Power over Ethernet (PoE) and IP-based systems. This provided a robust foundation for future upgrades and allowed for flexibility in integrating different systems.
- Phased Intercom System Replacement: Instead of replacing the entire intercom system at once, Norman devised a strategy to upgrade it incrementally. New Wahsega speakers were installed in the classrooms with the worst audio quality first. This allowed for two-way communication in some classrooms via the new system, while maintaining the old system for other classrooms and PA announcements. The zone controller effectively bridged the old system with the new system, enabling the use of the new phone system for announcements across all speakers. As funding became available, individual classroom stations (speakers and call buttons) were replaced one by one, gradually transitioning the school to the new system. This minimized disruption and spread the cost of the upgrade over time.
- Door Intercom Integration: Recognizing the potential of the new system, Norman installed an outdoor intercom at the school’s entrance. This replaced a consumer-grade product with a clear, two-way intercom communication system, significantly improving security and front office efficiency.
- Future-Proofing for Expansion: The Cat6 cabling and IP-based nature of the new system also provided the school with the ability to easily extend its network and communication systems to other campus buildings in the future, simply by running additional cabling.
Results
The approach yielded significant results for Holy Name School:
- Clearer Audio: The upgrade solved the problem of poor audio quality in classrooms.
- Enhanced Communication and Security: The integration of the Wahsega system with the door intercom system provided clear two-way communication with visitors, improving security and front office efficiency.
- Future-Ready Infrastructure: The Cat6 cabling and IP-based systems provide a flexible and scalable foundation for future technology upgrades and expansion.
- Increased Funding Opportunities: The visible progress made through each phase of the project made it easier for the school to secure additional funding for subsequent upgrades.
- Improved Classroom Technology: The upgraded cabling and Wi-Fi infrastructure enabled the effective use of computers in the curriculum, transforming the learning environment.
Key Takeaway
Dan Norman’s approach demonstrates the power of strategic planning and creative problem-solving in overcoming technology challenges in resource-constrained environments. His advice to “start with the end in mind” and implement upgrades incrementally is invaluable for other schools facing similar situations. By focusing on long-term vision and prioritizing infrastructure improvements, schools can make significant progress even with limited resources.
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