Glenn Tracey Journal Article #3 6-99 Looking at "what ifs" of Y2K, Minnesota schools preparing for the new millennium, Weiner, Deborah, Minnesota Educator, June 11, 1999. The turn of the century has been growing closer, with the potential of starting a number of problems for school districts based on their ability to become Y2K compliant. The continued development of computer technology in society has become a source of concern regarding the ability of hardware and software to function properly within industry, business, and education in the coming century. The preparation of systems to deal with this has been going on for years and the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning (CFL) reports "that 90 percent or more of Minnesota schools are currently working on Y2K issues." Blue Earth, Minnetonka, North St. Paul-Maplewood, Oakdale and Grand Rapids area districts discuss readiness planning for critical systems. The building mechanical systems, accounting systems, course scheduling/attendance systems, payroll systems, and potential community disruptions are all seen as areas necessary of evaluation and contingency planning is recommended. Tips to prepare for Y2K are also found with the article and are developed from a videoconference sponsored by CFL last spring. The conference materials are available via Internet at www.y2k.k12.mn.us. Christine Jax, CFL commissioner feels that Minnesota schools efforts should leave them slightly over prepared, helping get them past January 1, 2000, and getting on with the business of teaching our kids. The importance of preparing technology systems for Y2K is a common theme in much of society with billions of dollars potentially at stake. One of the comments made by a technology specialist raises questions about a phone system his district purchased five years ago that is not compliant. Countless equipment purchases have been made with little thought, until only recently, of compliance with Y2K. How much of our current resources will be required to remedy this lack of foresight? When comparing this to the recent lawsuits finding tobacco companies liable for withholding information, it seems this may be fertile ground for litigation regarding technology industry efforts to comply. Are there things we should be doing in the classrooms to prepare our students, our communities, and ourselves? These are questions that need to be addressed by school districts in addition to the critical systems already mentioned, and many buildings have begun to identify potential problems using staff and students to help in the task. Technology specialists cannot be expected to provide support for Y2K compliance in addition to the other responsibilities they have without cooperation from administration. Duluth Public Schools technology development has seen new leadership in recent years that has addressed some of the deficiencies found in our district. Duluth is still in the process of reaching out to provide different sites with access to technology, as well as training staff in use of this tool which is new to many. It is yet to be seen if the recent planning in Duluth will accommodate the turn of the century without major glitches, but it is hoped that the emphasis placed on technology in our schools is a step towards better long range use of resources.

-- Anonymous, June 28, 1999