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District rolls out more secure Wi‑Fi, tighter app controls and multi‑factor authentication
Summary
District technology staff reported a pilot of new wireless infrastructure at the board meeting and described cybersecurity steps including multi‑factor authentication, web filtering for students, and collaboration with CISA and BOCES to tighten vendor security.
District technology staff told the Kenmore‑Tonawanda Board of Education on Feb. 13 that the district has piloted new wireless access points in one building as a proof of concept and plans a phased rollout across other schools.
"We're doing a proof of concept for a more secure wireless network for the entire district," the district technology presenter said, describing a recent swap of access points in one building and a phased approach for broader deployment. The presenter reported that the pilot began before Christmas and that the district is tracking who is online more securely and improving device repair and support processes.
The technology report listed several operational changes: assignment of a dedicated technician to each building to improve response times, replacement of a large share of Windows devices before summer, and increased adoption of multi‑factor authentication (MFA) for adult accounts. The presenter said MFA is being enrolled by staff only and not by students.
Officials described device and security metrics, including a 42% increase in ViewSonic interactive panels and fewer support tickets; the presenter also said Chromebook damage reported districtwide declined by 57% in a September‑to‑February comparison (noted as likely higher now). The district technology lead said the schools are participating with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and are using BOCES and a student data privacy consortium to push vendors to tighten security and comply with student‑privacy standards.
The board discussed content filtering and app restrictions for students during the school day. "Students won't be able to get on to certain websites and certain apps, during the school day, namely things like YouTube," a board member said, summarizing the change. The technology presenter added that approximately 140 apps will be blocked during school hours to reduce classroom distractions and that device‑level policies will vary by building and grade level.
Superintendent Samato and board members commended staff for rapid adoption of MFA and for work to protect personally identifiable information; the district uses Infinite Campus for student records and is not a PowerSchool district, the superintendent clarified. The report did not ask the board for formal action; several items will be implemented administratively and phased across buildings.
