School districts can obtain computer services with purchase, lease, or network options. The advantages and disadvantages of each are explained. Guidelines are offered for assessing needs and determining costs of computer services. (MLF)

School districts of all sizes can begin to use computers in their schools by outlining objectives, securing community support, planning for one microcomputer for every 20 students, and evaluating computers and software. (MLF)

The first in a series of three articles highlighting some of the experiences of the Deptford Township Public Schools (New Jersey) in transforming the business operations from a manual process into a computerized system. Describes procedures for acquiring hardware and software and setting up a district accounting system. (MLF)

Before purchasing a specific microcomputer, school districts should consider what types of software applications are desired, whether the micro is capable of being upgraded, which software and operating systems are supported by the micro at present, and how many of the particular model are currently operating. Hardware and software are evaluated.…

Describes the management advantages computers can bring to small school districts. Advises purchasers to select quality software first, then purchase a computer that can handle the software. (MLF)

Divided into four major sections, this collection of articles addresses the sharing of services in California by school districts or by districts and other agencies. The section on advertising and recruitment makes a case for districts to share in the purchase of employment ads or in the hiring of a recruiter. A reprint of an article about a…

Administrators in an Alabama school district found that purchasing their own data processing equipment was a better buy than the public consortium they had been using to supply data processing needs. The system, its uses, and advantages are described. (MLF)

The Microcomputer Program Oriented Budgeting System (MICROCOMP POB) is an accounts payable system intended for use in school districts. The system is based on the general principles of encumbrance accounting and the use of multiple account numbers. For each account number, the primary information provided consists of year to date balances for…

Notes how limited funds and technical personnel affect small school districts and points out benefits that computer technology can bring to their administrative practices. Presents seven guidelines for selecting a computer to meet a small district's needs. Covers software selection, maintenance, staff training, and choosing a vendor. (JHZ)

Based on a doctoral dissertation that involved a study of the nation's 100 most successful school computer systems, this report summarizes the study's purpose, scope, methodology, resultant model, general observations, and future implications. The model is divided into two major sections: (1) strategic planning activities, focusing on computer…

Designed to help school districts move from exploring the use of computers in the classroom to the comprehensive planning and development of computer education programs, this guide is organized around five steps essential to the process of developing a district program. Phase 1 includes the following preliminary activities involved in planning for…