Wake County Schools outlines technology budget and Chromebook refresh strategy

Wake County Schools is taking significant steps to enhance its technology strategy, focusing on the effective use of Chromebooks and other devices for students and staff. During a recent work session, discussions highlighted the need to evaluate the distribution of technology resources, particularly in light of the district's current staffing levels in its technology services division.

Concerns were raised about the number of Chromebooks and hotspots provided to every student and staff member. A proposal was made to consider conserving devices for students in need while maintaining classroom devices for general use. This approach could potentially lead to cost savings, although specific figures were not provided.

The meeting also addressed the staffing structure within the technology division. Currently, Wake County Schools has four senior director positions and eleven directors, which is notably lower than comparable districts. For instance, Orange County Public Schools, serving over 209,000 students, has 20 to 25 leadership roles, while Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Dallas Independent School District also maintain higher staffing levels for technology management. This disparity raises questions about the district's capacity to effectively manage its technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and instructional support.

Additionally, the district is in the process of refreshing the Chromebooks distributed during a large-scale initiative in 2020. With a typical lifespan of four to five years for these devices, Wake County Schools is proactively targeting students in grades 2, 6, and 9 for this refresh. Devices collected will be evaluated for repurposing, which could also contribute to potential savings.

As Wake County Schools develops a sustainable technology strategy, the focus remains on ensuring that all students have access to reliable technology while exploring ways to optimize resources and reduce costs. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial in shaping the district's approach to technology in the coming years.