Wayzata technology director outlines device cycles, security upgrades and 170‑classroom AV project

Wade Phillips, the district's technology director, told the Wayzata Public Schools board at its April 29 work session that the technology department is focused on maintaining device replacement cycles, strengthening cybersecurity and upgrading classroom technology across the district.

Phillips said the district funds technology work through two voter‑approved technology levies and uses that money for student devices, staff computers, instructional software, interactive classroom equipment and technology support staff. "We are supported, by the community and by voters through 2 technology levies in the district," he said.

The presentation described several major, ongoing projects. Phillips said the district maintains multi‑year replacement cycles: certified staff laptops are on roughly a four‑year cycle and student iPads on roughly a three‑year cycle. He told the board the district owns about 12,500 iPads and replaces roughly 3,500 devices a year so…