School District Achieves 99.98% Technology System Availability

Seattle Schools Board Meeting on May 14, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in technology infrastructure aimed at enhancing student and staff engagement. The district reported impressive system availability metrics, with the data center achieving 99.98% uptime, surpassing the goal of 99.9%. Other critical systems, including network infrastructure and Microsoft 365, also demonstrated high reliability, with availability rates of 99.87% and 99.96%, respectively.

A key development discussed was the upcoming launch of a redundant data center at Rainier Beach, set to go live this summer. This addition will ensure uninterrupted digital services, even in the event of outages on the north side of the district. Additionally, the completion of a wireless network upgrade across all schools and the successful migration to Windows 11 were noted as major accomplishments.

During the meeting, Director Bridal raised questions regarding the selection of performance metrics, suggesting that while current rates are high, there may be areas, such as the enrollment process, that require more attention. This inquiry prompted a discussion about the definition of operational systems and the criteria for tracking their performance.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing reliable technology systems, which are essential for supporting educational outcomes. As the Seattle School District continues to enhance its infrastructure, stakeholders are encouraged to monitor these developments and their impact on student success.