District tech review finds localized Wi-Fi gaps, staffing and training needs; recommends targeted upgrades

The district's director of technology presented a program evaluation showing localized network coverage problems, uneven support staffing, training gaps and strong cybersecurity posture. The board heard six themes from a stakeholder survey and a set of three prioritized recommendations: targeted network assessments and equipment replacement, a formalized communications and training hub for staff and families, and a support-staffing model review tied to device counts and work-order data.

"Students rated Wi-Fi reliability at 2.6 out of 5 while administrators rated it 4.17," the director said, describing specific problem locations (high-school basement, music wing, wood shop) where downloads reportedly took multiple minutes. The director recommended site surveys in Q2 and Q3 and expected some coverage improvements by the end of the calendar year.

Survey results showed families trust the district with student data but lack awareness of technical safeguards and contacts; staff reported strong cybersecurity training and a 1:1 device program that simplifies standardization but does not always match student experience in specific rooms.

The director cited grant funding that covers roughly 80% of three major cybersecurity projects, including immutable off-site backups and a managed security operations center. The board asked about community committees and standards; the director said the district relies on CISA, NIST and K-12 professional organizations for best practices and will partner with communications to create plain-language resources for families.

Board members expressed interest in timelines and resource costs; the director said the financial impact of infrastructure fixes is moderate and that staffing adjustments will be evaluated for the 2026–27 school year.

The district plans to return with site-survey results and proposed budget adjustments once assessments are complete.