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Shawnee Mission presents ICT modernization, cybersecurity and measured AI guidance
Summary
District ICT leaders reported near-95% operating system compliance, infrastructure refreshes, cloud telephony changes and a deliberate, "intentional and metered" approach to introducing AI in classrooms, prioritizing teacher training and data/privacy review.
District technology leaders briefed the board on Information & Communications Technology work Wednesday, outlining operational improvements, cybersecurity priorities and a district approach to artificial intelligence in classrooms.
Mister Lane, presenting for the ICT team, described three work groups (customer service/help desk; data and programming services; engineering, network and cybersecurity). He highlighted near-95% compliance with operating system versioning across district devices and an ongoing strategic infrastructure refresh that aligns E-Rate cycles with purchase cycles to modernize systems.
Jenny Collier, the district—s instructional technology coordinator, described the creation of an instructional tech cadre that includes one representative from every building to provide consistent professional learning and to help translate district strategy into classroom practice. Collier said the cadre aims to standardize how instructional technology is used and to serve as a conduit for teacher training.
On artificial intelligence, ICT leaders described a cautious rollout. The presentation framed the district—s stance as "intentional and metered," prioritizing teacher learning, privacy and safeguarding: train educators on what AI can and should do; evaluate tools— terms of service and privacy policies before deployment; and avoid blanket blocking that prevents planned instructional uses. Collier said the district guidance emphasizes talking with students about AI, prompting skills, and the limitations of AI detectors — noting the risk of false positives in existing detection tools.
Board members asked about practical classroom supports, field analysts who provide on-site technical support, recruitment and retention of ICT staff, and cybersecurity preparedness exercises. Presenters said the district maintains field analysts who visit buildings and that ICT hiring focuses on candidates with both technical skills and a service orientation toward students and schools. Leaders also noted work on data resilience, cloud-based telephony, and coordination with academic teams to ensure technology supports learning goals.
No formal policy was adopted at the meeting; presenters said action teams and pilots will continue to refine guidance and that recommendations will reach the executive leadership team when ready.
