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District technology director outlines security and network upgrades

New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education · July 14, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Technology Director Jacob Stella told the board the district upgraded access control and surveillance and is upgrading the fiber backbone from 1 to 10 gigabytes; plans include an integrated emergency platform and new family communication software.

Jacob Stella, the district’s Director of Technology, presented the board with a series of security and network upgrades completed or underway in 2024–2025. Stella said the district has expanded keycard access toward phasing out traditional keys, replaced outdated cameras and added outdoor surveillance at the bus garage, multiplex, tennis/pickleball courts and exterior of the elementary school, and is developing an integrated emergency platform that combines intercom, door access and emergency response systems.

Stella also outlined network improvements, including upgrading the district’s fiber optic backbone "from 1 to 10 gigabytes" and extending hardwire connections to outdoor areas to support fixtures and events. The district is digitizing building use forms, plans to add a Promethean Panel to the elementary art room, and intends to launch Bloomz as a consolidated family-communication platform. The board did not take a separate vote on these updates; the items were delivered as a presentation for informational and planning purposes.