Glen Rock Public Schools Pursues Technology-Enhanced Learning With Optimum Lightpath

JERICHO, N.Y., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- School districts throughout New Jersey continue to reevaluate their existing telecommunications services as they aim to reduce costs, but expand technology access in classrooms. Optimum Lightpath®, a market leader in Ethernet-based communication solutions for New York metropolitan area businesses, today announced that Glen Rock Public Schools is among the latest districts to upgrade its telecommunications network for drastically improved performance, advanced learning capabilities and savings.

Time for Change

The Glen Rock Public School District includes 2,500 students and 300 staff in six schools across five buildings. While the district has long supported a technology-infused curriculum, a legacy network from former provider AT&T had begun limiting opportunities to advance learning. The district was eager to overhaul a telecommunications network based on T-1 lines connecting schools to a main hub and shared 3 megabit connection, as well as a phone system that was keeping voice costs high and billing unpredictable.  "Providing our staff, faculty and students with the best in technology is a high priority in Glen Rock," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Verducci.

"Technology is extremely important to our school district because we realize the tremendous impact that it can have on improving education opportunities," said Tom O'Gara, network administrator and engineer for the Glen Rock Public School District. "Over time, we got to a point where participation in emerging educational programs and access to general online resources were limited because our network simply couldn't support it. We knew it was time for a change."

Going the Distance

Glen Rock Public Schools began evaluating service providers and learned that it could eventually increase bandwidth by 30x and simplify voice services while saving the district money. Today, the district enjoys a 100 megabit, 100% fiber-based Internet Voice Bundle that offers fast, scalable Internet access. The bundle also includes a new voice system that includes long distance and VoIP capabilities to help improve internal communications, and is provided for a low, flat, monthly rate. As a result of the upgrade, which was conducted in phases between 2008 and the summer of 2010, Glen Rock Public Schools has significantly boosted performance while saving thousands annually. Today, the school has the flexibility it needs to pursue advanced learning opportunities.

"As a result of the upgrade with Optimum Lightpath, we have the flexibility to infuse technology into the Glen Rock Public Schools curriculum like never before," said Dr. Kathy Regan, director of curriculum and instruction, Glen Rock Public Schools. "We're currently evaluating opportunities for high-definition video conferencing, programs that let students take virtual field trips, distance learning and advanced course management systems for faculty. Soon, we'll even be able to add new course options – and it's largely a result of having a high-performing network that can support our ambitions."

A Smooth Transition

"We've been extremely happy with the Optimum Lightpath service," said O'Gara. "All install timelines were met, the transition was smooth and we've found that we have access to high quality customer support when we need it. In one case, we even received a proactive call when Optimum Lightpath realized that we'd had a power outage. Today, we have an excellent service at an excellent value, and best of all, no headaches. So we can focus on making education the best it can be for students and teachers."

An Ongoing Commitment to Education

"Optimum Lightpath has emerged as the provider of choice for local schools that want to do more with technology and save money along the way," said Julia McGrath, senior vice president of marketing and business development. "Our customers know that they can count on us to deliver and we're proud to be helping Glen Rock Public Schools and all of our education customers transform teaching and learning for students."

Optimum Lightpath works extensively with schools throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area to transform education in the classroom. Schools that have deployed services from Optimum Lightpath's Education Services Suite have cut costs, considerably increased bandwidth and enhanced teaching and learning. For more information about Optimum Lightpath's work in the education sector, visit http://www.optimumlightpath.com/education.shtml. For information about Optimum Lightpath's New Jersey Education Technology Conference: New Strategies to Transform Schools & Classroom event taking place in Somerset, New Jersey on November 10, 2010, visit http://www.optimumlightpath.com/njconference.

Optimum Lightpath has selected Glen Rock Public Schools as its Customer Spotlight of the Month for October 2010.

About Optimum Lightpath

Optimum Lightpath, a division of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC), is an industry leader in providing advanced Ethernet-based data, Internet, voice, video transport solutions and managed services to businesses across the New York metropolitan area. Optimum Lightpath's Network is a highly reliable, resilient, and scalable fiber-to-the-business-premises network extending more than 4,000 route miles connecting more than 4,000 fiber-lit locations. Exclusively focused on meeting customer needs in the world's largest business market for 20 years, Optimum Lightpath has been continually recognized for its high level of customer service. For 12 straight years, the New York State Public Service Commission has given Optimum Lightpath its Commendation of Excellence. Optimum Lightpath has received many industry awards for innovation and leadership. For more information, visit www.optimumlightpath.com.

SOURCE Optimum Lightpath