IT coordinator outlines wireless, cybersecurity and equipment needs in budget workshop

Candace Chang, the district’s Network and Systems Coordinator, presented the IT and network portion of the 2026 budget at the Jan. 22 workshop, describing completed upgrades and asking the board to approve increased equipment and contracted-services funding.

Chang said wireless had been upgraded in 10 buildings to the latest Wi-Fi standard, visitor-management systems were replaced districtwide, and a loaner-device model at the Freshman Campus had reduced classroom disruption. She summarized a laptop-case rollout for students who take devices home, the addition of a gaming lab and tech-lab equipment (including a 3-D-printing wall and t-shirt printers), and ongoing cybersecurity improvements. Chang emphasized a multi-stage camera-network segmentation effort and a planned student attendance-management system at the high school.

On budget lines, Chang identified increases in copier-maintenance and equipment codes (she cited a $60,000 copier-maintenance increase and a $355,000 equipment request to support expanded camera storage and services), and she explained that a five-year cloud/archiving contract is up for renewal — which, combined with required E-rate match funding and new cybersecurity products obtained through BOCES, is driving part of the rise in contracted-services and equipment lines. Chang also said instructional-equipment lines (for interactive classroom products) include requests for drones and VR headsets for teacher use.

Board members thanked Chang and stressed the importance of cross-department planning so IT work can be staged alongside building renovations. Chang said the district intends to pursue E-rate funding where eligible and to continue phasing network upgrades across the campus.

No formal approvals were taken at the workshop; Chang’s requests will be incorporated into the overall budget proposals and clarified in subsequent budget workshops.