1. Announcement
The position of Executive Director has been offered and accepted by Sharon Hussey, currently the Director of Information and Instructional Technology services (IITS) at URI. Prior to SharonÕs most recent position, she was the Manager of User Services for the academic computing center. Sharon brings to RINET extensive experience in management, instructional applications, multimedia, help-desk, user documentation, and distance learning applications. Sharon added an MBA in 1994 to her degrees in elementary and secondary mathematics education. Sharon currently manages a large staff of programmers, technicians, student workers, other professionals and administrative staff. SharonÕs recent activities at URI included developing the strategic and implementation plans for the technology initiative with an $8M budget from the 5-year bond referendum and she is more typically responsible for an annual budget of $3M. In checking her references, it was apparent that Sharon is considered a model manager, and her references were all unhappy at her potential departure. Sharon started her career in K-12 education as a mathematics teacher and is enthusiastic about once again having an influence on our K-12 world. IÕm especially pleased to be able to announce this wonderful addition to the RINET organization and partnership which will begin formally on January 1st.
2. Content Filtering
The question as to whether RINET should pursue a centralized or distributed solution to filtering was discussed at length. A decision was made to pursue both models in an attempt to meet the diverse needs of our customers. In negotiating with vendors, the primary goal will be to leverage a reduced subscription rate for customers. RINET will present a clear assessment of the benefits/costs associated with each implementation model. An update of the filtering project will be presented at the next RISTE meeting and participants for a focus group will be solicited.
3. Virus
Efforts have been stalled due to several considerations: deciding what we want to filter Š mail or mail/web, determining what happens to infected mail, and assessing the technical implications of implementing such a system. Since RIDE is independently pursuing an email filtering system, Norm, Ted and Joe will work on a prototype virus filtering system for RINET while continuing to pursue alternative approaches.
4. Comments on Accounts Receivable
Melanie has sent notice to all districts/schools that have not responded to invoices. Additionally, she has sent notices to districts/schools that have not submitted a 486 for RINET services. To reduce confusion regarding this issue, districts will be asked to submit evidence of Erate funding application (471) with partial payment next year.
5. LDAP Issues
Steve requested that we decide what to do next with LDAP and suggested that we identify features for an initial implementation. ItÕs possible that we would begin by limiting our offering to the ability to create aliases. Features such as creating distribution lists or allowing search by RINET members or the general public must also be considered. Mike feels that technical issues associated with LDAP would be worked through in implementing this initial strategy. Bill will ask Lee Rabbitt to oversee the investigation of policy issues related to LDAP. Steve and Mike will refine the project plan for LDAP.