ETS - Resources and Information
Cabling and Connectivity
ETS is committed to providing the best data infrastructure possible in Greenville County Schools. With the help of partners such as Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks, Dell computers and many others, ETS continually evaluates cabling installation practices and chooses only products and services that will not only perform to our expectations for today's needs but will carry with it the quality and warranties to last into the foreseeable future.
The District is committed to standardizing all structured network cabling and electronics that will provide top quality, flexibility, scaleable value and functionality not only for currents needs, but also meets the needs and requirements of the future.
Computer Installation and Repair
The System Support division of ETS is responsible for the repair, installation, and maintenance of all districts owned personal computers, peripherals, LAN and WAN, and telephone systems.
Internet Filtering
ETS is responsible for providing Internet connectivity to over 100 district locations located throughout Greenville County. The districts wide area network provides this connectivity. Internet traffic from each location is routed through the District Office equipment giving ETS the ability to centrally manage that data.
New Construction / Renovation
The School District of Greenville County has in place a long range Facilities Plan for the construction and renovation of our schools. The Facilities Plan is the result of years of work involving thousands of people -- citizens of our community, advisory committees, educational and technical consultants and our own district staff. Through their efforts, the physical and educational needs of school facilities were identified and evaluated.
When a school is slated for new construction or renovation ETS in coordination with the school staff, the facilities department, and other district departments begin the long process of planning for the technology needs of that new facility.
Many issues need to be considered when a new construction begins such as cabling, electronics, integration of old equipment with new and determining what new equipment will be needed.
When a new school is up for renovation or new construction, ETS is typically involved from the very inception. When the Architect has a rough set of plans sketched out a meeting is held with the Architect, ETS, contracted cabling designers, engineers and project managers to design the proper pathways and infrastructure to ensure that the schools data and voice cabling will meet the requirements for years to come.
Purchasing Technology
To ensure quality and compatibility for district technology items, it is essential that you follow these procedures for placing your technology order. This applies to all orders, regardless of the source of funding.
WANs and LANs
The District currently enjoys data connectivity for over 100 of its locations due to the wide area network which ETS maintains. In addition to internal connectivity, Internet connectivity is also provided.
This internal connectivity allows the District to implement numerous technology initiatives that greatly enhance the educational experience of students as well as provide essential administrative tools to its employees.
E-Rate
E - Rate is a program of the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company to provide affordable access to telecommunications services for all eligible schools and libraries in the United States. Funded at up to $2.25 billion annually, the Program provides discounts on
- Telecommunications services
- Internet access
- Internal connections
Since SCDOE provides Internet access for school districts, SDGC is eligible to file for telecommunications services and internal connections only. Discount percentage is determined for each school and for the District using percentage of Free and Reduced Lunch and various demographic factors. To qualify for E - Rate discounts, each school district must have a specific Technology Plan. Once all criteria are met, we as a District submit applications for individual schools, as well as District-Wide for discounted phone service.
E - Rate has strict timelines and guidelines to follow. Even though the process can be very involved, it definitely has it's rewards. These discounts are usually not in the form of a check. The majority of savings are reflected in discounts taken off the total invoice from the vendor. These discounts help reduce the amount we spend on eligible projects, thus freeing up funding to support other technology requirements.
Additional information on E-Rate in the School District of Greenville County is available from the ETS Special Projects Office. Phone: 355-3112; e-mail: twingo@greenville.k12.sc.us
GSTAR
GSTAR is the administrative support system that is available district-wide. It supports the following functions:
- Communication Labels
- J. D. Edwards World Software - this software support the district's central office functions list below Financials
- Fixed Assets
- Human Resources
- Payroll
- Purchasing
- Warehouse
- Reports - in addition to the J. D. Edwards software GSTAR includes extensive custom reports. Some examples are listed below. Account Budget Report
- Available Sick & Vacation Time
- Location Roster
- Personal Leave Totals
- Time and Pay
- Substitute Time
- CARS to Payroll - School can verify teacher absence information and substitute time in one simple step. The information is then fed directly to the payroll, virtually eliminating the need for school staff to key teacher and substitute timecards.
- On-line Field Trip Request/Permits - Schools can enter field trip request and verify approvals on screen. No more telephone tag with the bus offices.
Copier/Printer Program
The Copier/Printer Program was designed to bring the latest in copier/printer technology to departments and schools through a managed program that eliminates the hassle, ensures a quality product supported by excellent service, and secures an attractive price per copy that remains fixed for five years.
ETS has contracted with two vendors to offer this comprehensive program. The contract term is from 7/1/2009 through 6/30/2014.
