Northridge board adopts cybersecurity plan, approves 3% staff raises and backs urgent bleacher repairs

The Northridge Local School District Board of Education on March 17 approved a districtwide cybersecurity program, authorized urgent repairs to the high-school gym bleachers not to exceed $125,000, and approved 3% salary increases for multiple staff groups, with each action passing unanimously, 5–0.

The cybersecurity measure, adopted as Resolution NLS26-00003 and presented under State Bill 96 implementation guidance, directs the district to adopt a NIST-based approach that includes governance, asset inventories, technical protections (including multifactor authentication), continuous detection, an incident response team and recovery procedures. Brian Roberts, the district director of technology, described the plan as pragmatic and phased: “Think of this resolution like a giant high‑tech castle,” he said, outlining steps to identify devices, harden systems and train staff on threat recognition.

Board members asked about roles and timelines; Roberts said the district will distribute a formal plan, designate a communications team, name the superintendent as risk manager for the effort and aim to complete mandatory staff training within the first 30 days of employment. The cybersecurity resolution passed on a 5–0 roll call.

On facilities, the board approved an urgent‑necessity authorization to repair the high‑school gym bleachers without a competitive bid because the combined repair estimate (about $61,000 for the home side and roughly $50,000 for the visitor side) exceeds the state bidding threshold; the board capped spending at $125,000 and said the work will be paid from the permanent improvement fund. Board members and facilities staff emphasized that the authorization is limited to repairs and replacement of internal components and seating tops, not a full replacement, and that scheduling will prioritize summer work when students are not on campus.

The board also approved three separate 3% salary increases (each by unanimous vote): for all classified staff for fiscal year 2027 (motion by Mr. Williams, second by Mrs. Smith), for administrators excluding the superintendent and treasurer (motion by Mrs. Serach, second by Mrs. Kger), and for certified non‑teaching staff (motion by Mr. Williams, second by Mrs. Smith). Members said the increases mirror teacher contract adjustments and were presented as part of regular compensation planning.

Votes at a glance: • Resolution NLS26-00003 (cybersecurity) — motion carried 5–0 (adopted). • Bleacher urgent‑necessity procurement (not to exceed $125,000) — motion carried 5–0 (authorized; funding: permanent improvement fund). • 3% salary increase for classified staff (FY 27) — motion carried 5–0 (approved). • 3% salary increase for administrators (excl. superintendent/treasurer) — motion carried 5–0 (approved). • 3% salary increase for certified non‑teaching staff — motion carried 5–0 (approved).

The meeting also included routine approvals—minutes, financial reports, donations and field trips—and the board scheduled a public hearing on reemployment/rehire matters for April 21 (public hearing at 6:00 p.m.; regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.). The board entered executive session at 7:33 p.m.; the chair said no decision was expected after executive session.

For reference, the cybersecurity presentation referenced State Bill 96 and a NIST framework approach; the board directed staff to return with implementation details and timelines for training and inventories.