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District 2 outlines tech, communications and systems modernization: iPads, phone system, filtering, AI guidance and ERP
Summary
District 2 technology and communications leaders presented plans to move toward iPad devices, a new phone system, upgraded filtering and security, AI guidance for staff, a new district website/app and a Tyler Technologies ERP implementation to modernize finance and HR.
District 2 technology and communications leaders presented multi‑year plans intended to modernize classroom technology, expand digital supports and consolidate administrative systems.
Jason (S10), the district’s technology lead, described a departmental restructure that split responsibilities for PowerSchool, testing and data to provide more hands‑on support for schools. He said the district is shifting toward Apple devices (iPad) for instructional use and has created new instructional‑technology coordinator and coach roles to support teachers. Jason also described recent security and filtering upgrades (including FortaMail and a phishing‑training tool, CyberKnaut) and said the E‑rate cycle will support an upcoming network upgrade.
On AI use, Jason emphasized guidance over a formal board policy: "we will likely not bring to you any sort of formal policy, for AI... by the time we went through the process of approving a board policy, we probably have new things we'd have to bring to the table," he said, and the district plans educator guidance and classroom‑level guardrails.
The communications team demonstrated a new website and mobile app that can translate content into multiple languages and integrate mass notifications, social feeds and push notifications. The tool shown will let staff publish a story, push it to the live feed and send a branded app notification simultaneously.
Finance staff reported the board recently awarded an ERP contract to Tyler Technologies (School ERP Pro) and described a planned multi‑year implementation with training; the implementation was discussed in the meeting as a large line‑item investment in district operations. Finance also said payroll will move to a twice‑monthly cadence starting next school year for teachers, and the ERP is intended to improve procurement, HR and financial workflows.
Taken together, presenters framed these projects as complementary: clearer communications and stronger device support for instruction, paired with consolidated back‑office systems to improve transparency, speed hiring/onboarding and support planning. Board members raised compatibility questions (dual‑enrollment and neighboring districts) and asked staff to ensure transitions minimize disruption. The district said most classroom tools are web‑based and that management/compatibility issues can be addressed in implementation.
Next steps: technology will continue staffing and onboarding work, finalize procurement and present follow‑ups to the board as vendor selections and timelines are firmed up.
