BY MATT HERSH

The Salem School District is one step closer to upgrading its information technology department after the purchase of an expensive piece of equipment.

The district recently ordered a new centralized server that cost nearly $100,000. The machine is due to be installed at Salem High School by next month.

The purchase will allow those who are in charge of maintaining the district’s computers to fix problems on any computer or printer without having to leave the high school, said information technology director George Morris.

This easier access to fixing problems will allow IT staff members to focus more on training teachers how to use software and will ultimately save the district time and money, Morris said.

The Hewlett-Packard server is set to arrive in Salem on June 18 and Morris said he hopes to have it up and running by July 9.

Voters approved the $99,736 server in March. It is part of a long-term plan by school officials to upgrade and revamp the information technology department.

Superintendent Michael Delahanty said he envisions an improved use of technology in several areas.

In the future, the Internet will likely be better used to provide access to the school district.

With an enhanced district Web site, students would be able to register for their courses online, check grades and communicate with teachers. Parents could pay bills, view progress reports and find out about new developments within the district.

Delahanty has said he wants to be able to provide information about how students are doing more regularly.

The district also took a major step toward their technology goal when they successfully restored an $80,000 applications manager position to their budget in March.

The position allows the district to make the best use of its existing technology and operate more efficiently, Delahanty said.