Aldine Independent School District Embraces 6 GHz Wi-Fi for Enhanced Learning

"The partnership with C1 has been transformative, allowing us to strategically address our immediate needs while setting the stage for future advancements.” 

Matthew Childs | Network Operations Manager, Aldine Independent School District 

The Challenge:

Navigating Critical Technological Transitions with Strategic Leadership

Aldine ISD, spread over a vast 111 square miles and serving more than 60,000 students, faced the obsolescence of essential technological equipment.  “We were dealing with ageing equipment that was crucially due for a significant upgrade," explained Matthew Childs, the Network Operations Manager. 

Michelle Okoro, the Executive Director of Network Infrastructure, underscored the urgency, noting that leadership changes in 2021 brought fresh perspectives that spurred the need to reassess. "Our CIO recognized we were understaffed, and the technology team expanded from about 50 to 116 employees to meet growing demands," she highlighted. Facing network reliability issues, both Childs and Okoro were empowered by their CIO to seek out robust, future-proof solutions.  

"We needed to stop spending on end-of-life equipment," stated Okoro, highlighting the crucial importance of not just selecting the right technology vendor, but choosing the ideal technology partner—not only one that aligns with the district's current needs, but also one that can effectively evolve alongside the district's growing ambitions. 

Despite being satisfied clients of Extreme Networks for over a decade, Aldine ISD recognized the necessity of reviewing current options. It also became evident that their existing technology partner was no longer meeting their expanding needs. 

And thus, the district embarked on a critical reassessment to pave a pathway for future-readiness. 

The Solution:

Strategic Renewal with Extreme Networks; Partnership with C1 

Aldine Independent School District renewed its partnership with Extreme Networks and welcomed C1 as a key collaborator, focusing on 90 campuses with networking and switches, plus more than 8,000 access points to enhance their wireless capabilities.  

Their decision was rooted in a longstanding relationship with Extreme. "We saw the value of going with a manufacturer we've already invested a lot of skill sets in,” said Okoro. Leveraging Extreme’s offerings, including Extreme Cloud IQ, Aldine ISD can maximize the Extreme portfolio, with Extreme Fabric Connect enabling secure scaling and automation within their resource constraints. "Relying on Extreme Networks has provided us with the continuity and expertise we needed. We can now focus on expanding our network capabilities efficiently,” Okoro added. 

The choice of C1 was equally strategic. "We've been through the same things over the years with a local reseller, but they were not meeting our needs anymore," explained Childs. "Based on Extreme's recommendation, we moved to C1, which fit the bill due to its size and ability to provide more support." 

C1's role involved deploying cutting-edge technologies like Extreme's 6 GHz Wi-Fi access points, ensuring high-speed connectivity essential for modern classrooms. This partnership facilitated a seamless integration of innovative solutions, allowing Aldine ISD to address immediate needs while planning for future success. "This partnership allowed us to strategically plan for the future,” Childs affirmed. The collaboration not only improved reliability but also aligned with the district’s educational goals. 

The Result:

Transformational Impact and Increased Network Efficiency   

The first major project between Aldine Independent School District and C1 involved upgrading the network switches—a critical step in revamping Aldine's technological infrastructure. 

"Getting that done was important," recalled Okoro, emphasizing the reassurance it created for the entire team. "I relied heavily on what Matthew felt, and his confidence during our weekly meetings was evident." From there, the team tackled the momentous task of upgrading over 90 campuses for both wired switches and more than 8,000 access points for wireless connectivity, including at the school district’s new 10,000 capacity Thorne Stadium. 

Given Aldine ISD's longstanding relationship with Extreme Networks, there was a consistent belief in the quality and reliability of their offerings. "We've done extensive research, and the consistency from Extreme, coupled with C1's robust support, has been phenomenal," shared Okoro.  

This collaboration has been instrumental in cutting down noise pollution—the newly configured network closets are now inconspicuous without a detailed school map. 

Moreover, the partnership addressed critical concerns, such as network instability, which previously had student ambassadors considering a walkout. "Ambassadors now speak highly about their Wi-Fi experience at their high school now," Okoro enthused.  

Energized by these positive results, Aldine ISD is set to double its internet speed from 20 to 40 gigabits. "We are investing heavily to maintain our standing," Okoro concluded, reinforcing that these strategic initiatives position Aldine ISD as a leader in educational technology innovation.