Dodge City board approves $28,950 data-loss prevention tool to protect student records
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Summary
The Dodge City USD 443 Board approved a $28,950 purchase of a data loss prevention tool (GTB) to scan Windows and Microsoft environments, require staff justifications for risky actions and centralize monitoring to comply with FERPA, COPPA and the Kansas Student Data Privacy Act.
The Dodge City USD 443 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the purchase of a data loss prevention tool, GTB, on a 4-0 vote.
District technology staff told the board the tool would extend data protection capabilities on the Microsoft/Windows side of the district’s systems and complement Google’s existing DLP coverage for Chromebooks. "So really what we're asking the board today is to please approve the purchase of GTB, in the amount of $28,950 and this will be coming from the technology cybersecurity account," the presenter said.
The presenter described a "justify" feature that prompts staff to document why they are attempting an action that appears to conflict with data-protection policy rather than silently blocking the action. Staff said the system includes an agent that can scan individual Windows devices, network shares and emails, and that a central console will alert dedicated monitoring staff when a justification is entered.
Technology staff framed the purchase as both a legal and operational necessity: they said the tool will help the district meet obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Kansas Student Data Privacy Act while minimizing classroom disruption.
Board members asked about scope and monitoring. The presenter said Google’s DLP currently identifies sensitive data on Google Drive and Chromebooks, while GTB will cover district Microsoft emails, Windows devices and shared network storage. The board was told staff can configure which applications or devices are restricted and that the system will generate alerts for review.
Motion and vote: The motion to approve the purchase carried 4-0 (motion by Tracy Rankin; second by Tammy West). No conditions or amendments to the purchase were recorded at the meeting.
Next steps: Staff will complete the procurement and deploy the tool as described, and the cost will be charged to the technology cybersecurity account.
