In a recent government meeting, district officials outlined significant advancements in technology and security measures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and educational outcomes. A key focus was on ongoing security awareness training for staff to combat phishing attempts and ensure robust network security through regular audits and penetration testing. Emphasis was placed on disaster recovery and business continuity planning to facilitate swift operational recovery in the event of disruptions.
The district announced a transition from the current student information system, Infinite Campus, to PowerSchool, a move administrators believe will streamline operations and improve integration with other applications. This transition is expected to be a major undertaking, requiring a dedicated implementation team, a detailed timeline, and extensive staff training to ensure a smooth rollout for students and families.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted potential cost savings by consolidating software applications. The district is currently utilizing multiple licenses for Zoom and Microsoft Office, despite being primarily a Google Workspace district. Officials suggested focusing on Google tools to reduce expenses and proposed an internal review process for educational applications to assess their usage and effectiveness.
The discussion also touched on the importance of digital literacy and computer science education. While some courses are currently offered, there is a push to integrate these standards across all content areas, with a focus on professional development for teachers to enhance their confidence in implementing technology in the classroom.
Furthermore, the district is exploring the implementation of a follow-me printing protocol to optimize printing resources and reduce reliance on standalone printers. This initiative would utilize existing copiers and a cloud-based system to streamline printing processes.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving technology infrastructure, enhancing security measures, and fostering a culture of continuous professional development to better serve students and staff.