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Urbana SD 116 details sweeping technology upgrades, camera overhaul and AI guidance
Summary
District IT presented a multi-year overhaul: interactive classroom displays, one-to-one devices, network and phone upgrades, new camera systems with 30–45 days of retention and E-rate funding coverage that staff said totaled about $1,000,000 over the last five-year cycle (85% discount). The technology team also outlined AI guidance, age limits and a walled-garden approach for student tools.
John, the district technology lead, gave the board a broad update on classroom and building technology, network reliability, security and plans for AI in schools.
Classroom and device upgrades: John described interactive displays in most classrooms (75-inch for full-size rooms; 55-inch for smaller rooms) that allow teachers to cast and annotate, and to save lessons to Google Classroom. He outlined the district's device distribution: kindergarten iPads in carts, early-grade touch Chromebooks, 2nd–5th grade Chromebooks in carts, and assigned take-home Chromebooks for grades 6–12. On repairs he said damaged Chromebook screens can be replaced internally for about $35.
Network, phones and cameras: John described core network upgrades, including link-aggregated firewalls and higher-capacity uplinks, and said the district is finishing a five-year E-rate cycle that staff said provided about $1,000,000 in funding with an 85% discount (leaving roughly $175,000 local share for that cycle). On camera systems, staff replaced legacy cameras with networked, power-over-Ethernet cameras and consolidated recording into a single NVR setup; John said most sites now retain at least 30 days of video and in many cases 45+ days, with redundant internal camera storage as a backup.
Security and AI: The district has rolled out multifactor authentication for staff accounts and phishing training after recent spear-phishing attempts. John outlined a staged approach to classroom AI: age-based access (student AI tools restricted for those under 13), a "walled garden" for education-specific AI so student inputs do not leave district-controlled systems, and a stoplight model (red/yellow/green) for teacher choices about AI use per assignment.
Board members praised the IT team's work and asked follow-up questions about internet access for families and PD for teachers on AI; John said the district offers subsidized internet options for families in need and is planning professional development focused on AI and device usage. No action was required; the report was informational and will inform program council and strategic planning discussions.
