While Mahopac Central School District students were away over the summer, the technology department was busy preparing the district's infrastructure for the upcoming school year.
One of the department’s most significant milestones was completing its first internal fiber-optic repair at Mahopac Middle School. Thinner than a strand of human hair, the fiber cable carries data throughout the district. In the past, repairs of this kind typically required outside contractors, but now with specialized equipment and training, Mahopac technicians can diagnose and repair fiber themselves. The ability to handle these repairs in-house can save the district thousands of dollars while also enabling the technology department to respond more quickly when issues arise.
The team also spent the summer preparing for the district's student device refresh. Incoming sixth graders will receive iPads, while ninth graders will receive new MacBook Neo laptop devices. Mahopac technicians prepared those devices for distribution including reconfiguring iPads previously used by last school year’s eighth graders so they can be put into service for the next group of students.
Behind the scenes, the department also completed important security work. Technicians and interns replaced batteries in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices that help keep critical systems operating during power interruptions, including security cameras, phones and public address systems. The team also expanded the server room at Austin Road Elementary School, creating a secondary technology hub that adds resilience to the district’s network infrastructure.
Mahopac technology interns Leo Centofonti, Josh Leon, Christian Bravo Morales, Stephanie Paute, Antonio Rutigliano and Christopher Zimmer worked alongside district technicians on the summer projects including battery replacements, equipment maintenance, rack cleanups and fiber-optic work, gaining practical experience on the systems that support a modern school district.
“The projects the technology department completed this summer are a great example of the expertise and commitment they bring to our schools,” Executive Director of Technology and Falls School Operations Tom Cozzocrea said. “Our team is constantly looking for ways to strengthen systems, solve problems more efficiently and make sure our students and staff have the technology they need to succeed.”
The ability to cross-train staff and maintain a broad range of technical expertise means more of that knowledge stays internal to the department. It also reduces the need to outsource specialized work, providing both operational and financial benefits for the district.
“The more we can understand and maintain ourselves, the better we can serve our schools,” Network Administrator David Greenfeld said. “Having that knowledge within our team allows us to respond quickly when something goes wrong and gives us a real sense of ownership over the systems we support.”
Greenfeld and Senior Network Specialist Tomas Vasquez recognized District Technology Coordinator Dara Berkwits, who served in the interim director of technology role over the summer, for her support and leadership during the transition.
“Dara did an outstanding job stepping into the interim director role and supporting our team throughout the summer,” Vasquez said. “Her leadership, communication and willingness to jump in and help out wherever she was needed made a real difference during a busy time for our department.”
Cozzocrea praised the entire Technology Department for the work that took place across the district over the summer.
Technicians Thomas Barrett, network specialist; Jaydon Boscia, Fulmar Road Elementary School; Richard Cristobal, Mahopac High School; Matthew Healy, Mahopac Middle School; Matthew Ljuljic, Lakeview Elementary School; and Angelo Martinez, Austin Road Elementary School, as well as Carole Garcia, senior office assistant and Jim Jung, school information system support specialist, worked throughout the summer to prepare the district for the new year.
“The strength of this department is the people who show up every day ready to solve problems, support our schools and do whatever it takes to keep things moving,” Cozzocrea said. “Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it has a direct impact on our students and staff every day.”
With the new school year underway, the department’s efforts will help provide students and staff with the reliable, secure technology and support they need to learn, teach and connect throughout the year.
