District outlines technology budget pressures, cybersecurity upgrades and Chromebook procurement timing

Tim Harder told the board on Feb. 23 that technology procurement is challenging because device prices fluctuate daily and vendors are holding inventory until fiscal year purchases open. He recommended delaying Chromebook procurement until pricing is clearer and said the district will push purchase orders immediately after board budget approval to lock pricing.

Harder outlined several technology investments under consideration: a SAN (storage area network) to centralize critical district data, security server and backup upgrades, additional cameras and card‑reader hardware, and a managed detection and response (MDR) service that runs on district Windows devices and provides 24/7 monitoring. “We typically get about 50% off of our Internet costs through that federal grant,” Harder said when describing E‑Rate discounts the district currently receives; he said some network equipment cycles do not qualify for the program this year.

Harder also described the district’s success repairing Chromebooks in‑house and generating modest revenue by servicing devices. He said the five computer technicians and the youth apprenticeship intern are HP‑certified and that the district is moving more security and device management functions in‑house to reduce vendor fees.

During questioning, board member Chris Jenkins asked whether the district has an AI policy; Harder said conversations have begun and that WASBOL sample policies may provide a template. The technology recommendations were presented as a discussion item and will return for action on a future agenda if the board requests.