Greater dependence on networks and computers for basic functions raises the stakes if the equipment breaks down. Most experts say it's essential to have technical experts on staff. The share of schools with full-time network administrators, meanwhile, climbed from 9 percent to 29 percent. Such schools may be relying on a combination of district and school personnel and outside vendors. A nationwide shortage of informational-technology specialists is making it more difficult to hire qualified people.
Money is also a factor.
Large and better-funded districts can generally afford to hire a small, if overburdened, technical staff. But small districts and those that are just scraping by financially tell a different story. In some Missouri districts, the only technical support is a toll-free phone number, consultant Stainback says. Districts' typical strategy has been to grow their own expertise by training teachers or media specialists who have technical aptitude. That approach can have mixed results, as in the 4,600-student Sun Prairie district, where school media specialist Pat Wende served for three years as the technology coordinator.