Local governments in Mahoning County to explore common computer networking

Local governments in Mahoning County to explore common computer networking

By DENISE DICK

denise_dick@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

For about 30 years, a computer network has been providing Internet, payroll services and other technology to Mahoning County schools, and there’s an effort to offer the same services to area governments.

John LaPlante, executive director of Area Cooperative Computerized Educational Support System, said the Ohio Department of Development has available $9 million through a Local Government Innovation Fund for grants to feasibility studies of collaboration and shared services for local governments.

ACCESS, a council of governments owned by school districts in Mahoning and Columbiana counties, already provides shared services so it’s taking the lead to determine if other governments want to pursue a similar arrangement, LaPlante said.

A meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. Friday at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center for townships, municipalities and county departments to learn about the proposed study. Interest will determine whether to move forward.

“We’re trying to see if there’s interest in replicating what we’ve done for schools for local governments,” LaPlante said.

ACCESS provides email, Internet, payroll services and student services such as report cards and attendance for all Mahoning and all but two Columbiana school districts.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.