The Client

St. Mark Catholic School is one of thirty-three elementary schools currently operated by the Catholic Diocese of Dallas.  St. Mark's opened its doors in August of 1982 to serve the needs of its parishioners and other families in the community. Enrollment is 620 students serving kindergarten through eighth grade.  The curriculum features a self-contained classroom environment emphasizing individualized learning. Students receive instruction in all the basic skills areas: math, reading, language, phonics, spelling, social studies, science and computer literacy. In addition, St. Mark's offers a structured, well rounded program of enrichment activities: music, art, and physical education.  
 

The Improvement Opportunity:

Over the last five years, improvements with both software and hardware have allowed organizations, including schools, to enjoy many of the same benefits that were previously only available to Fortune 500 companies.  However, with these benefits, new problems in terms of managing the technology arise.
 

The Solution:

Data Applications originally began working with St. Mark’s in 2001 to manage the school’s network and desktops.  In addition to monitoring the network, DAC implemented a scheduled, systematic process for upgrades, repairs and installs.  DAC standardized the operating systems and software applications─ which allowed teachers to do their job without having to change desktops. 

DAC increased the level of security by installing a hardware firewall.  Further, DAC set up a regular schedule of network administration updates and tasks.  DAC replaced or repaired defective or outdated hardware on a regular basis.

“In addition to monitoring the network, we provide

input to help St. Mark's stay current with the

technology solution that best suits the needs of the

school,"  said Rich Kaeufer, president of Data

Applications Corporation.  “Our goal is to help the

teachers do their job most effectively, providing an environment that fosters learning for the students.”
 

Success!

“Our experience with Data Applications has been very positive.  They are extremely responsive.  We have had the same technician for four years, so we know that our network is in good hands,” Anne Hollenbeck, technology coordinator of Saint Mark’s said.  “I can always get immediate help over the phone, and he comes to the school if necessary.  I also like the fact that I can talk to executive level personnel if needed.”