Technology director previews device rotation and cybersecurity plan as federal grant ends

Technology Director Ryan Blankenship presented the district's 2025–26 technology program evaluation and outlined goals for device refresh, ticket resolution and cybersecurity as the district wraps a multiyear grant.

"The purpose of the technology program is to provide the technology and related services necessary to ensure students develop 21st century skills for college and career readiness," Blankenship said, describing device inventories, replacement cycles and service metrics. He told trustees the district's student and staff device ages are roughly in line with targets (staff about 2.44 years last year to 2.74 this year; students 2.79 to 2.69) and said the department aims to keep average device age under three years.

Blankenship confirmed the district's cyber grant — a roughly $55,000 purchase grant received in 2022 — is in its final year and will not continue. "We are wrapping that up," he said, noting the grant paid for enhanced detection and response tools, two‑factor authentication and staff training. Trustees asked what funding could replace the grant; staff said replacement will need to come from local funds unless a new eligible grant is identified.

Board members raised questions about device use at younger grades and possible cost reductions. Blankenship and other staff said the middle school is piloting a plan to pull take‑home Chromebooks into in‑cart models so devices stay in the building each day, a change that will require investment in carts and logistical adjustments.

Blankenship also outlined ongoing inventory and rotation policies (teacher laptops on a five‑year cycle, student Chromebooks on a four‑year cycle) and said the department will continue to expand data privacy agreements and improve documentation and ticketing workflows.