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District technology team outlines device refresh, Chromebook numbers and pilots for teacher laptops
Summary
Marion County—s technology director told the board the district has 54,616 active Chromebooks and 2,381 classrooms equipped with interactive flat panels; pilots will test teacher laptops, device checkout, and classroom‑management tools while the district strengthens network switches and cybersecurity measures.
The district—s technology director reported on Jan. 9 that Marion County Public Schools has made substantial investments in classroom technology and is piloting programs to expand device access and manage security risks.
What staff reported: Director Richard Benvenuti said the district currently has 54,616 active Chromebooks and 2,381 classrooms equipped with interactive flat panels. Staff are replacing teacher desktops and have an ongoing device refresh program; Benvenuti told trustees the district spent roughly $5 million on mobile‑device refreshes with ESSER funds.
Network and security work: Technology staff said they are upgrading critical network switches, moving to SharePoint Online for collaboration, and implementing multifactor authentication, phishing awareness and tighter user access controls. Benvenuti said these steps are part of a broader focus on maintaining network availability during school hours and protecting student and staff data.
Pilot projects: Staff are piloting device checkout programs at three schools, trialing teacher laptops in selected schools, and testing classroom‑management software. Benvenuti described the checkout pilot as a controlled experiment to learn about logistics such as repairs, teacher usage and device management; the district may scale the model depending on results.
Equity and special‑needs adaptations: Board members asked how technology supports specialized needs, and Benvenuti said interactive panels can be adapted (for example, adjustable heights) and staff are continually looking for assistive technologies for self‑contained and nonverbal classrooms.
Ending: Trustees requested more detail on total technology budgets and pilot outcomes. Staff said they would return with budget breakouts and additional timelines in upcoming work sessions.
