District rolls out device provisioning and AI tools, emphasizes cybersecurity training
Summary
Technology staff described a large-scale device provisioning effort (about 12,000 devices), steps toward a learning-management rollout, pilot uses of AI tools with guarded implementation, and daily cybersecurity threats requiring ongoing training and BOCES support.
A technology presentation to the board described several large operational items and new tools planned for district classrooms. The district’s technology staff reported an extensive device provisioning project that touched about "12,000" devices: hardware imaging, configuration and distribution to ensure consistent operational performance across classroom devices. "12,000 numbers are pretty decent numbers. So starting July, right out of the gate, we have processes in place that every classroom device and now add, iPad is imaged, provisioned," one staff member said.
The district said it is increasingly integrating Schoology as a learning management system and has formal relationships between PowerSchool and Schoology to improve class-level access to resources. Technology staff also described products approved by the technology committee, including Magic School Eye (presented as a teacher resource with guidance and controlled, responsible AI use) and administrative co‑pilot tools. The presenter said: "it's terrifying and exciting at the same time" about artificial intelligence and stressed the need for guardrails and policy controls.
Cybersecurity and phishing were a major topic: the presenter said the district receives daily phishing attempts and uses BOCES enhanced cybersecurity resources for blocking and investigation. The district plans more simulated phishing exercises for staff education rather than punitive action. Hardware upgrades included adding security cameras (more than 800 after capital projects) and exterior door alarms tied to secure vestibules; the technology team is continuing ZeroWise installations and routine network-security patches.
Why it matters: device provisioning and learning-management changes affect classroom instruction and teacher access to digital content; AI tools introduce new capabilities and new risks that the district said it will manage through policy and controlled deployments. Cyber threats were cited as routine and significant, and the district said it relies on regional cybersecurity resources and internal training to guard networks and data.
