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Enid Public Schools expands tech, vets AI tools and tightens campus security
Summary
Technology Director Jeff Herbel reported on the district's 1-to-1 device program, vetted AI tools for students and staff, upgraded security plans including badge replacements and wearables, and discussed increased classroom VR use. Superintendent reported early success with a no-cell-phone policy implemented under state law.
The Enid Public Schools technology department told the board the district is continuing its 1-to-1 device program, has vetted a small set of AI tools for classroom use and plans multiple security upgrades to cameras, badges and access control.
"I think that in itself is a great accomplishment," Technology Director Jeff Herbel said of the district's tenth year of one-to-one devices. Herbel described the work over the summer to reimage devices, recalibrate projectors and update classroom audio and phones to improve teacher productivity this school year.
On artificial intelligence, Herbel said the district has vetted Google Gemini, NotebookLM and an application the district piloted (referred to in the meeting as Conmingo) for use in k'12 classrooms and secondary students. "These meet our data security," he said, noting the district cannot vet every AI released and will select managed tools that meet privacy and security criteria.
Herbel outlined security upgrades tied to a passed bond: additional cameras and upgraded access-control badges (the district plans to replace badges this year) and a move toward classroom wearables for security. He also referenced greater managed use of VR/AR through the GEAR UP program at the middle school and ongoing data privacy vetting at the state level.
Superintendent Dr. Darrow and administrators also reported a four-day start to the district's no-cell-phone policy, implemented under state law. Dr. Darrow relayed positive early feedback: a high-school secretary posted that students were "walking with their head up in the hallways" and staff reported more student interaction during transitions. The superintendent said principals will meet to share feedback and refine practices.
Herbel described routine summer work that touched 1,500 iPads, 350 classroom audio systems and reimaged desktops and said the technology department will continue training and rollout for new systems. No board action was required for the informational update.
