Steady technology growth has allowed a Massachusetts school district to build a large, centralized database; improve a vast array of standard administrative operations; and design software applications tailored to many special needs. (MLF)

When teachers, building-level administrators, and district officials can communicate freely with one another through computers, districts become more powerful. An integrated approach to computer technology will result in improved efficiencies. (MLF)

An Iowa school district has retooled its computer systems for more standardized administration. In addition to administration, the district is doing inhouse databasing of financial accounting, and doing inhouse scheduling and grade reporting. A partnership with the Chamber of Commerce contributed $500,000 for the network system. (MLF)

The technology team in a suburban Cleveland (Ohio) school district saved thousands with do-it-yourself wiring work in four schools and the district office and kindergarten building. Classrooms, labs, and libraries have been wired, and selected areas in each facility are now being connected to the Internet. (MLF)

Insertion of computer technology in existing school buildings requires leadership at the district level, careful planning to provide properly located and sized support space, and a media backbone that will serve for a long time. The architect must design in flexibility for connection of hardware applications that are still being developed. (MLF)