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Board reviews multi‑part technology plan: ClassLink rollout, device leases, infrastructure updates and proposed audio/safety systems
Summary
District staff presented a technology plan covering ClassLink single sign‑on, continued student iPad leasing, staff laptop refresh, an infrastructure Phase 2 for security/authentication, and a recommended audio‑enhancement and integrated safety system for three schools; several budget figures and timelines were cited for follow up.
District technology staff and the director of teaching and learning presented the final component of a multi‑year technology plan on Feb. 18 that bundles student device leasing, software access, infrastructure upgrades and a proposed audio‑enhancement safety system.
Mister Fitzsimmons (technology) and Miss Rivera (teaching and learning) said the ClassLink portal will centralize web‑based instructional platforms, push rostering and provide usage analytics; ClassLink is being paid from Title I and current software funds and staff said it does not require additional district funds this year. "It will allow us to basically set up a portal…so they no longer have to waste instructional time logging into programs," Miss Rivera said.
Device leasing and refresh: staff proposed a second four‑year lease for iPads that would include approximately 270 kindergarten iPads, 280 fifth‑grade iPads and about 310 keyboard (Keyfolio) cases; student device lease costs were quoted at roughly $117,547 plus about $6,000 for kindergarten keyboard cases (total ~ $124,000). Staff laptop refresh (about 60 devices) was estimated at ~$44,000 for the year; staff warned those refresh costs may rise in future years. An infrastructure Phase 2 (identity and endpoint security, multifactor authentication and centralized management) was estimated at about $72,200.
Audio, safety and classroom displays: staff described an audio‑enhancement package that combines classroom amplification (teacher lanyard and speakers), an EPIC full‑duplex intercom/bell system and a safety alert function that allows a teacher to press two buttons on the lanyard to notify trained responders. Dr. White and Fitzsimmons said the combined system can replace aging PA/intercom equipment and reduce reliance on short‑lived walkie‑talkies; Miss Rivera said the system also supports accommodations for deaf/hard‑of‑hearing students across classrooms.
Staff recommended phased replacement of interactive whiteboards with non‑touch professional displays (teachers will retain whiteboards and students will continue to use iPads). Briargate will receive displays as part of this summer’s referendum‑funded renovation; 3 Oaks and Oak Knoll will receive partial rollouts funded by Title I and referendum in later phases. Staff said audio enhancement proposals, security cameras and some other items will be brought as separate formal recommendations for board approval. Board members asked for a clearer financial breakout (Title I vs. referendum vs. tech budget) before approvals and asked for a non‑public summary of infrastructure Phase 2 details because of security concerns.
