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Tech director outlines levy-funded safety and security upgrades, targets July completion for major items
Summary
Technology director Jeff presented a slate of safety upgrades funded by the recently passed capital projects levy — including enhanced 911 location services, digitized facility maps for emergency responders, camera/door-control firmware updates and PA system upgrades — and reported a planned external cybersecurity audit.
The Rockford school district's technology director reported to the board on March 16 that the recently passed capital projects levy is enabling major safety and technology upgrades across district buildings.
Jeff said the district is implementing enhanced 911 capabilities through RedSky and working on specifications for a 911 inform geo-fencing product. "We're hoping to get that stage out of the way before the end of this school year so that we can start on that in July," he told the board, adding that firmware and server upgrades for cameras and door controls are scheduled so county emergency operations can view district camera feeds during incidents.
Jeff outlined additional steps: a grant-funded digitization of facility maps that will record AED locations, fire extinguishers and exits and will be shared with Wright and Henipin County emergency managers; a planned PA-system server replacement to integrate classroom amplification and visual emergency messaging with newly installed Clever Touch interactive boards; and rollout of a districtwide digital hall-pass system at the middle school in quarter 4. He said Clever Touch installations are now complete across learning spaces after redirecting grant funds.
On crisis reporting, Jeff said the Sandy Hook Promise "Say Something" tipline produced about 20 tips this year (the majority from the middle school), including one life-threatening tip that prompted law enforcement and administrative response. He also reported that the Minnesota School Safety Center recently conducted a walkthrough and provided recommendations to strengthen physical security.
Jeff described cybersecurity governance work tied to policy 731R and said the district will publish ADA web standards and operational procedures; he also said an external cyber-security audit is scheduled for late spring. Jeff discussed partnership work with Metro State University to create a technology/STEM pathway and potential college-credit courses for students.
Board members praised the technology team's work and the role of the levy in supporting these projects. No formal board action on specific contracts or expenditures was taken at the meeting.
