Page 21 - AASBO EDGE Fall 2021 WEB

AASBO SUMMER CONFERENCE WRAP-UP

BY DON HARRIS
Tony Riggs Russell Deneault
When Purchasing Technology – Research, Research, Research

Technology is a vital resource for today’s students, but in “So,” Riggs said, “what have we learned? How are we
a changing world tech took on a far greater role helping going to pay for this – long-term costs and repairs?”
schools navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. In a free-wheeling session with input and inquiries from
attendees, Riggs wanted to know what worked and what
Because of the increasing reliance on technology, its may not have worked, at least satisfactorily. Questions
cost and continuous improvements, school business Riggs urged AASBO members to consider, including:
officials need to know exactly how they’re going to Did devices solve an immediate need? What were the
use the technology they’re considering for purchase. considerations for long-term costs and how did it affect
Tony Riggs, CEO/Director of Sales for NeedThese, your decisions?
a technology systems firm for schools and education
facilities, and Russell Deneault, AASBO Vice President Regarding remote learning software, the implementation
and Director of Information Systems and Technology, and adaptation from staff and students, Riggs asked:
Creighton Elementary School District, conducted a “What was necessary to get everyone on board and
breakout session at the AASBO Summer Conference and successfully teaching and learning?”
Expo, focusing on what practical tech means to you.
Riggs, who has been dealing with education issues for
They thanked AASBO members for their hard work 25 years, said, “I’ve seen products come and I’ve seen
during “a crazy, crazy year,” recognizing that the products go. The challenges you faced – this was great
technical staff has worked tirelessly to accommodate the experience. You were thrust into this. You survived. You
unexpected change in teaching and learning since early made everything happen. Looking forward, down the
last year. road you will need some practical tech. This was one
of the hardest things to happen in you life. Have some
“We have all had to come together to solve problems practical tech. Are we prepared for something like this
that have been unimaginable and in a short period of again?”
time – so thanks,” Deneault said.
Deneault chimed in: “Not to be a Debbie Downer, but
Riggs, offering a vendor’s point of view, said, “There is it’s the worst event of your life – so far. Are we prepared
so much technology out there. Look at all the different for future challenges?”
technologies and decide what to use. What’s practical
for longevity and how is it going to be used?” Riggs mentioned the use of Zoom and other learning
platforms, and the differences in calling 911 from a cell
Attendees were encouraged to think outside the box and phone or a land line in an emergency.
to be adaptive. Riggs noted that there has been an influx
of money, alluding to federal stimulus funds and new “Go through your software carefully – make sure you’re
products designed to solve problems that popped up not paying for something you’re not using,” he said.
often. “Check to see how often a piece of software is being
used on your network.”
Deneault noted that with technology, “Almost everything
is accessible from anywhere. “ He told of an instance where a client did not renew a
$16,000 piece of software after determining that it had
A key issue is knowing what specific technology will only been used twice.
really help you.
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