District tech chief says AI and cybersecurity training are central as device costs rise
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Summary
Bhargav Villas outlined a technology budget increase for 2026–27, highlighted a ~10,000‑device network footprint, rising hardware prices, multi‑layer cybersecurity measures and new AI guidance and professional development for teachers and parents.
Bhargav Villas, assistant superintendent for compliance and information systems, presented the technology department’s 2026–27 priorities and budget drivers.
Villas said the district manages four interlocking technology areas — data, network, hardware and instructional tools — and now supports roughly 10,000 networked nodes. He cited hardware cost increases (Chromebooks and components) driven by market shortages and tariffs and said the technology budget showed increases in instructional and data‑processing codes tied to higher device prices.
On cybersecurity Villas described layered defenses, annual disaster‑recovery and incident‑response planning, adoption of CIS controls, membership in MS‑ISAC and alignment with NIST guidance. The district runs phishing exercises for both staff and students, requires multi‑factor authentication for most staff (board members next), and vetting of vendors for SOC2 and data‑privacy compliance.
Villas said the technology team has piloted AI tools and is rolling out guidance and professional development for teachers and parents. He described a planned student portfolio tracking solution (Passport for Good) for secondary schools and said district staff will continue to survey outcomes and refine PD offerings.
Trustees asked how the district manages academic integrity and cybersecurity in an AI era; Villas said policies and classroom guidance developed by the technology committee, combined with teacher PD and parent outreach, are central to the district’s approach.