Post by novillero on Aug 13, 2008 11:09:57 GMT -5
A few schools and the town are uniting to save money on training costs. Great idea -- save where ever you can, with whomever you can...
Officials unite to save money, services
By KRISTI FUNDERBURK • Staff Writer • August 8, 2008
VINELAND -- Local school and city officials are combining their efforts this summer to save money with a shared-services plan.
Vineland Public Schools partnered with Millville schools and the city of Millville for network policy training this week at Veterans Memorial Intermediate School.
Ongoing training is necessary nearly every year, but with costs as high as $12,000 per group, regardless of the number of participants, it can be pricey for just five days, said Stephen Dantinne, supervisor of technology for Vineland Public Schools.
But if the groups collaborate, they can save thousands of dollars for other needs in the technology department, he said.
"It's working together for common purposes, and you save money. If you save money, you save services," Dantinne said.
The two neighboring school districts shared the training program last year, but opened this year's invitation to the city of Millville and Washington Township School District.
There are 14 technicians in all: nine for Vineland; three for Millville schools; two for Millville city; and one for Washington Township, said Dan Wright Jr., information technology manager for Millville city and schools.
Even without Washington Township -- which had to drop out when its sole technician couldn't attend -- the training costs $857 per person. That lower amount saves Vineland roughly $4,000 and Millville a total of nearly $8,000.
Wright said the combined training allows the technicians to share ideas for future savings.
"In addition to saving money, not only will they learn, but they'll collaborate," he said.
Dantinne believes sharing services will be more common for both local school systems, especially as the districts face tighter budgets.
"It's something everybody could use," he said.
www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080808/NEWS01/808080316
Officials unite to save money, services
By KRISTI FUNDERBURK • Staff Writer • August 8, 2008
VINELAND -- Local school and city officials are combining their efforts this summer to save money with a shared-services plan.
Vineland Public Schools partnered with Millville schools and the city of Millville for network policy training this week at Veterans Memorial Intermediate School.
Ongoing training is necessary nearly every year, but with costs as high as $12,000 per group, regardless of the number of participants, it can be pricey for just five days, said Stephen Dantinne, supervisor of technology for Vineland Public Schools.
But if the groups collaborate, they can save thousands of dollars for other needs in the technology department, he said.
"It's working together for common purposes, and you save money. If you save money, you save services," Dantinne said.
The two neighboring school districts shared the training program last year, but opened this year's invitation to the city of Millville and Washington Township School District.
There are 14 technicians in all: nine for Vineland; three for Millville schools; two for Millville city; and one for Washington Township, said Dan Wright Jr., information technology manager for Millville city and schools.
Even without Washington Township -- which had to drop out when its sole technician couldn't attend -- the training costs $857 per person. That lower amount saves Vineland roughly $4,000 and Millville a total of nearly $8,000.
Wright said the combined training allows the technicians to share ideas for future savings.
"In addition to saving money, not only will they learn, but they'll collaborate," he said.
Dantinne believes sharing services will be more common for both local school systems, especially as the districts face tighter budgets.
"It's something everybody could use," he said.
www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080808/NEWS01/808080316