Delivering Internet access beyond our buildings is also a priority. Currently, we assign mobile hotspots to students who need access outside of school. However, our long-term strategy is to research private LTE options and potentially build a sustainable and cost-effective LTE network to help address the access gaps that exist within our community.
Efficiency
Even though school districts have seen an influx of federal relief funds over the past few years, it is important for technology leaders to keep efficiency in mind as they create their technology strategies. At HCPS, sustainability is a key focus. We need to be responsible stewards and have a funding plan in place to ensure we can continue to support and fund the initiatives and technologies we are implementing to avoid wasting both time and money.
In just the past two years, we have created several efficiencies in our device management process. For example, we have switched to universal adapters to eliminate the time and expense it takes to locate and replace missing adapters for student devices. We are also seeking to become a 1.5-to-1 district in terms of student devices to eliminate delays when devices are broken. We want technology to enhance the learning experience, not impede it. If a student’s device stops working, that is disruptive. We need to reach the point where we can seamlessly address those types of issues to ensure learning continuity.
Additionally, like many other districts, we’ve experienced staffing shortage challenges. Partnering with vendors and using their engineering expertise to fill in the gaps has enabled our HCPS staff to focus on other time-sensitive matters and be more efficient with their time.
Excellence
Finally, all the work we are doing at HCPS is being measured and judged by a standard of excellence. We are working together to build a future-ready digital learning environment that can support our students and staff—both inside and outside the classroom. That work entails eliminating a piecemeal approach to our infrastructure and implementing streamlined industry standards and rulesets. We have also created a training center for our employees to ensure they have the professional development resources they need to be successful in their careers.
By aligning our IT goals and strategies with the principles of equity, efficiency, and excellence we are ensuring that we are implementing sustainable and transformative changes that meet our district’s vision of preparing students for life.
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