The Los Angeles Unified School District is modernizing its technology to the tune of $788 million, and some schools have launched pilots of new infrastructure that reduces costs.
Eleven elementary schools are testing out technologies that connect the public address system, telephones, audio visual equipment, intercommunication and notification services to the tech devices, using a single “pipe” that lowers costs to the district, according to LA School Report, which noted that the approach is similar to how most homes today receive phone, TV and Internet access.
In November of 2015, district Chief Information Officer Shahryar Khazei released a strategic execution plan for IT that outlined ongoing programs and goals that include network and security upgrades and increased tech support. The plan will "provide our schools with the infrastructure and equipment they will need for success in the 21st-century workforce," Khazei said.
Among the plan's goals is to provide Internet connectivity to 99 percent of schools within the district, and ensure support for tablets, computers, printers and smartphones. The plan allows for the replacement of existing networking equipment at 461 of the district's 1,147 schools, modernizing networks at 357 schools, and adding 37 technology aides to provide tech support.
According to LA School Report, while all schools in the district have been asked to report their current infrastructure assets so that project costs can be estimated, only 59 percent of schools have done so thus far.
By April, a 40-person task force is to give more specific recommendations for the district's technology plans during public meetings.
This article was originally published on Government Technology.
