Project Overview

The Dr. Phillips Ninth Grade Center and High School Technology Retrofit project was a comprehensive campus-wide technology upgrade initiative completed in July 1999. With a total project cost of $843,000, this construction management undertaking modernized the entire campus network infrastructure to support emerging educational technology needs at the turn of the millennium. The project successfully transformed an aging school facility into a technology-enabled learning environment capable of supporting advanced educational applications and network connectivity throughout both the main high school and ninth grade center buildings.

Project Scope

• Complete installation of structural cabling systems throughout the campus

• Implementation of fiber optic backbone infrastructure

• Deployment of Category 5 horizontal cabling to all classrooms and administrative areas

• Cable wire testing and terminations to ensure network integrity

• Installation of equipment panels and network distribution frames

• Configuration of a complete operating system capable of supporting both fiber optic and Category 5 connectivity

• Integration of technology infrastructure with existing building systems

• Documentation and training for maintenance personnel

Key Features:

• Campus-Wide Fiber Optic Backbone: High-capacity fiber optic cabling connecting all buildings and providing the foundation for future technology growth

• Category 5 Horizontal Cabling: State-of-the-art copper cabling infrastructure supporting data speeds up to 100 Mbps to all instructional and administrative areas

• Structured Cabling System: Organized, standards-compliant cabling infrastructure with proper cable management and labeling

• Centralized Equipment Rooms: Properly designed and climate-controlled spaces for housing network equipment

• Scalable Network Architecture: Infrastructure designed to accommodate future technological advancements and increased bandwidth demands

• Integrated Technology Solution: Seamless integration of new technology systems with existing building infrastructure

Construction Approach

1. Phased Implementation: The retrofit was executed in carefully planned phases to minimize disruption to ongoing educational activities, with major work scheduled during school breaks

2. Coordination with School Operations: Close collaboration with school administration to ensure construction activities did not interfere with critical school functions

3. Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing protocols for all installed cabling and components, including comprehensive certification of all network drops

4. Documentation: Detailed as-built documentation provided for all installed systems, including cable pathways, termination points, and equipment locations

5. Future-Proofing: Implementation approach that considered potential future technology needs, including spare capacity and expansion capabilities

6. Stakeholder Communication: Regular updates and coordination with school administrators, teachers, and district IT personnel throughout the construction process