IT workers cut at GCS

Information technology workers inside Guilford County Schools are being told their department numbers will be cut, and they're also being told to reapply for their old jobs back...geez!

Last night's Board meeting coverage continues...News & Record reports the IT department will be cut from 14 employees to five under a proposed organizational plan. Five IT employees for the entire Guilford County School system.

There's something about this that stinks. Five employees for more than 100 GCS facilities? Come on, guys...think a little bit on this one, will ya???

Local bloggers Sue Polinsky and Roch Smith, both of whom are local IT professionals, have choice words about this issue.

Sue:

We hear a lot about “the schools” acting more “like business.” I can’t imagine a business expecting to survive (let alone move forward) and decimating its IT support staff. Better hope nothing breaks. No viruses. No malware. No crashed hard drives. No new machines need installing. Ever. You want data from “the schools?” Sorry, you’re out of luck.

Roch:

Yesterday, however, GCS took two actions that I fear will be a detriment to students and appear to misplace priorities. While the school board approved a plan to create "regional superintendents," GCS announced it is cutting its IT staff from fourteen to five.

Five? Cutting the tech staff to the bone while making the system more top-heavy at the same time doesn't seem wise.
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E.C. :)