District technology update: iPad field study, Learn Platform analytics and E-Rate funding noted

District technology staff presented highlights of the five-year technology plan, including a planned classroom iPad field study, adoption of Learn Platform to assess the effectiveness of educational technology, cyber-security priorities and E-Rate funding for network infrastructure.

Staff said BrightBytes — a survey tool previously used to measure technology impact — is no longer available; the district has piloted Learn Platform to analyze usage and educational outcomes tied to ed‑tech purchases. Trustees approved an iPad field study for select classrooms to test instructional value and implementation, and staff described the district’s 10-year sustainable replacement cycles for major technology items and shorter cycles (about four years) for mobile devices.

Technology staff also described E-Rate funding used for switches, wireless access points, firewalls and cabling. The district said it had an approximately 80% reimbursement level under the most recent E-Rate allocation and noted that reauthorization and the next five‑year E‑Rate cycle could affect future reimbursements.

Trustees asked about internet uptime and what the district is doing to reduce classroom downtime. Technology staff said the district supports tens of thousands of daily device connections and that recent upgrades, including a new firewall, have improved stability; they also said they run post‑mortems on repeated outages and continue to adjust staffing and technical configurations.

Why it matters Technology investments shape classroom instruction and maintenance costs and affect student learning continuity. Trustees asked for ongoing data on uptime, device usage and impact of ed‑tech investments.

Ending note Staff will continue the iPad pilot and implement Learn Platform analytics to inform future purchasing and cybersecurity work.