Board renews monitoring and learning contracts amid possible state funding for filtering tools

Surry County Schools staff recommended and the board approved one‑year renewals for several technology contracts needed for student safety and instruction.

Technology staff said the district uses Gaggle to monitor Google Workspace for student safety threats and GoGuardian to provide internet filtering. "Gaggle specifically focuses on threats that emerge in Google Workspace," a presenter told the board, adding that neither product alone meets the district’s complete compliance needs under the federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and E‑rate requirements; the district relies on both layers working together. Staff said the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has offered one‑time funding that could offset the cost, but that allocation depends on how many districts opt in statewide.

The board also renewed Canvas (Instructure) as the district’s learning-management system at the state contract price and approved Softchoice as the state‑contract reseller for Microsoft licensing and server licenses. Each item was approved by a Board motion and voice vote during the work session. Staff said they will sign renewals as needed and update the board when the state notifies districts about supplemental funding.