2021-01-13
South Shore schools get $180,000 worth of computer network upgrades
by KEITH CORCORANSixteen South Shore schools are getting a combined $180,000 worth of computer network upgrades that will bolster wireless capabilities among other things to add technological consistency among the facilities.
The South Shore Regional Centre for Education (SSRCE) recently contracted three companies - Dartmouth-based Verge Technologies, Three Jays IT Consulting in Lunenburg County, and Queens County's John Primrose Computers - to complete the work.
The procurement indicates the job must finish in April. It's expected most work will happen after ordinary school hours, on weekends or during scheduled times when school is not in session.
"This work includes additional ethernet connectivity to more learning spaces to enhance both wireless capability and projection and streaming of a variety of internet devices," Ashley Gallant, a SSRCE spokeswoman, told LighthouseNOW in an email.
"Current technology differs from school-to-school, and this funding will improve coverage and consistency to handle more devices by adding servers, access points, data drops, wiring and switches," she said.
Sites impacted by the work include both Chester and New Germany schools, and the junior and elementary schools in Bridgewater. Other schools getting network upgrades are: Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary School, Bayview Community School, Liverpool Regional High School, Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy, North Queens Community School, Forest Heights Community School, New Ross Consolidated School, West Northfield Elementary School, Pentz Elementary School and Petite Riviere Elementary School.
The tender is linked to the safe-return-to-class $21.5 million in federal government funding announced in November toward computer and technology updates for Nova Scotia schools.
"This funding is allowing SSRCE to upgrade hundreds of network switches and wireless access points to both enable and enhance experiences for students and staff," Gallant explained.
"It's important to remember that while these investments are being made during this pandemic, they will benefit our school system for years to come," she added.
