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Technology director: district was affected by Canvas breach; Chromebooks need replacement and funding options will be explored
Summary
Technology director Sean told the board the district was affected by the Canvas breach but shared minimal sensitive data; he warned AI will require constant management, flagged Chromebook end-of-life in 2028 (~3,500 devices) and said the district will begin planning funding options, including a possible tech levy.
Sean, the district's technology director, briefed the board on a recent conference about artificial intelligence and student-data privacy, the district's exposure to the Canvas breach, and an upcoming conversation about how to fund a large upcoming Chromebook replacement.
"So the short answer to that is yes. We were impacted," Sean said when asked whether Prosser was affected by the Canvas breach, adding that the district shares limited information with Canvas (names, emails and schedules) and does not share sensitive data that would be tragic for families.
Sean described AI as a rapidly changing landscape and said schools will need guardrails rather than simple allow/block network rules. He urged collaboration with other districts to track legal and technical developments and recommended proactive policies to teach students responsible AI use.
On devices, Sean showed the board a list of consumable end-user devices that will soon need replacement. Board members and the director noted Chromebooks show an end-of-life date of 2028 for roughly 3,500 devices. "Ouch," one board member said; Sean agreed the replacement cost will be substantial and said he will present funding scenarios, including plan A/B/C and the prospect of a dedicated tech levy, at a future board report.
Panorama and Solera: Kevin (director of grants and assessment) added that Panorama uses a closed AI called Solera that keeps data inside the platform; teachers will be able to use the tool for rubrics and intervention planning while keeping student data contained.
Next steps: Sean will return with a funding plan and more detailed device-replacement options. The board did not take action at this meeting but asked for further information on privacy safeguards, Chromebook replacement timing and budget options.
