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Until it can find the funds to make that happen, the district has maximized its resources by calling on the Regional Education Service Agency for technical troubleshooting. The district is outsourcing tech support for its five largest schools to a private company after sifting through bids from local vendors. In addition, Napolillo has recruited teachers to be "technology contacts" across all schools.

In the middle and high schools, the tech contacts carry a reduced teaching load in exchange for the computer support and teacher training they give. In elementary schools, they receive stipends for their tech services. In all schools, tech contacts troubleshoot computer problems and call them into the state, RESA, or outsourced help desk if they can't be solved. Most also recruit students to help them with training, machine upkeep, and user support.

Deals have been struck in other areas as well: the district's two-person help desk staff has been augmented with 24/7 technology support from nine staff members at the Jacksonville Electric Authority. In addition, 118 county technology staff-programmers, network and database analysts, and instructional technology experts-help out in the schools as needed. Each school also has a full- or part-time tech expert, who can be a trained teacher or a tech specialist.

Not only that, but students have been hired to develop Web sites for the district's schools, with the intent that they will eventually learn computer maintenance and programming. Some schools' technology experts have already taken the initiative to train students. For example, Twin Lakes Academy Middle offers an elective class where students learn to diagnose computer problems and make minor repairs.

I.T. ON A TIGHT BUDGET

Got a small budget, but need to spruce up your school district’s technology? James Tagliareni, the chief technology officer of Moore County Schools in Carthage, N.C., shares his tips on how to revamp your tech infrastructure.

1. Get support. It’s critical to have the support of the superintendent, but you also need to meet with principals and teachers. Learn what their needs are and develop a plan to meet those needs.

2. Assess the IT situation. Take inventory of the district’s technology to determine the scope of your project.

3. Standardize. Develop new IT standards for the district, such as minimum computer requirements.

4. Review IT staff. Assess your staff to determine whether they have the necessary training and expertise. If not, get them training or make staffing changes.

5. Create new procedures for IT staff. If no uniform policies are in place, you must develop them. For example, if no policy exists for requesting and handling help desk support, create one.

6. Prioritize projects. When you’re on a limited budget, focus on improving the hardware and software infrastructure first. Take a phased approach, and give yourself several years to complete projects.

7. Invest in teacher training programs. Don’t just teach teachers how to use technology. Train them to incorporate the technology into the curriculum.

8. Shop for deals. Find savings by reviewing existing IT maintenance contracts and doing comparison shopping when you buy new technology. Review outsourced IT work to determine whether you can do the work in-house for less money.

9. Assist schools in securing grants. Many tech companies donate money or technology for school projects.