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Committee sends internet contingency reviews to subcommittees after district outage disrupted MCAS
Summary
After a district‑wide internet outage disrupted MCAS and daily instruction, the committee referred a review of non‑digital instructional plans to the instructional subcommittee and a review of technology backup plans to the technology subcommittee.
The Farver School Committee on April 29 directed two subcommittees to examine the district’s response to a recent internet outage that briefly halted online access and delayed MCAS testing.
Member Colin Dias moved — and the committee approved — a referral asking the instructional subcommittee to review curriculum and classroom practices that can be used when technology is unavailable, and asking the technology subcommittee to review the district’s backup systems and contingency protocols for network failures. Dias said the motion was intended as informational “so the public can see it” and to clarify steps for future outages.
Superintendent Tracy Curley told the committee she had observed schools pivoting to non‑internet lessons while the outage lasted, with educators using printed materials and holding planning sessions. Curley said the district restored network functions and that MCAS testing was delayed one day but the testing window was extended to accommodate makeups.
Several members said a formal review and public record of contingency plans would reassure families and staff. One member suggested the committee receive a one‑page memo outlining legal reporting requirements should a data breach accompany future outages; Curley said she would research notification rules and report back.
The motion was approved by roll call. The committee asked the subcommittees to report back publicly with findings and recommended actions for curriculum adjustments and technology continuity planning.
Sources: April 29 meeting transcript; superintendent’s remarks on outage recovery.
