For a district with many buildings, getting all the wiring in place can take a long time. If your district has no plan in place, you have a little more work on your hands. The district's data processing department may be able to help you develop standards for electronic mail delivery and student information systems. In many schools, computer-using parents have worked with teachers to design a network and install it with the help of community volunteers. The volunteer approach is not without hazards, though.
Networks require careful installation of wiring and electronic equipment.
For example, most electronics have an optimum temperature range in which they operate most efficiently. Where local building and fire codes apply to such installations, they should be carefully consulted and followed. Even if you don't have a data processing department in your district, or parents who can help plan your network, there are many consultants who can plan, install, and even manage a network for you. Choosing the one who's right for your job depends on your financial resources as well as the scope and complexity of your planned network. Talk to neighboring districts that have already undertaken networking, ask your district's purchasing department to send out a request for proposals, advertise in a major newspaper, or look for leads at educational technology conferences.