Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Technology Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District outlines technology and security upgrades after BOCES reorganization yields aid
Summary
Technology leaders described phased upgrades to networking, phone/PA integration, cybersecurity and device replenishment; restructured contracts with BOCES produced more than $1 million in additional aid, administrators said.
Chappaqua Central School District technology staff presented a multi‑phase plan for network, phone, security and device infrastructure during the March 5 board meeting and reported a boost in aid from regional service restructuring.
Andrew, the technology lead, described three overlapping phases that modernize internet access, servers and phone systems while unifying physical‑security systems (cameras, door locks, panic buttons) and incident‑response plans. He said the district is working to have redundant network paths and cloud backups across counties and to integrate systems so alarms focus cameras and lock doors automatically if an incident occurs.
Andrew also described a change in how some services are procured: moving systems to BOCES regional contracts and cloud services has produced additional state aid. “We actually ended up with over $1,000,000 in additional aid this year from the restructuring of those services to BOCES services,” he said. The district plans to use that savings and lease scheduling to smooth device replenishment and reduce upfront summer procurement bottlenecks.
Board members asked about how the upgraded phone system will connect to PA and emergency notification systems; technology staff said the phone system’s InformaCast functionality will enable tighter integration with PA, visual pagers and cameras once analog components are replaced. Staff also explained a plan to stagger leases so equipment arrives in spring and can be onboarded before the fall rush.
Leasing and budget details: technology presented a small overall budget increase (~0.44%, roughly $12,000) for the coming year but outlined multi‑year replenishment cycles (e.g., six years for K–2 iPads, four years for some middle‑school devices) and said some lease lines are being consolidated to get better pricing and timing.
Next steps: technology staff will return with more detailed lease schedules and security‑integration scopes; the board will consider funding options and related propositions in upcoming meetings.
