Ongoing technology upgrades supporting schools, staff
FCUSD is completing a roll-out of new staff computers and preparing for large-scale infrastructure upgrades as part of the District’s ongoing efforts to improve access to technology that supports student success.
These needs are being addressed through a variety of ways. This month, for example, the District expects to complete the replacement of 590 computers - including 425 laptops for teachers and 165 workstations for staff. These computers are generally 10 years of age or older, and cannot be upgraded to newer and security compliant versions of operating systems. The effort is funded by about $850,000 of the governor’s one-time funding for technology, professional development and Common Core.
This effort is part of a larger District effort to replace obsolete computers and improve staff and student access to modern tools. The District has developed a four-year plan to provide 1:1 access to a device for every student in every school using a combination of Title I funds and the governor’s one-time funding by the 2018-19 school year. The District expects to begin the next school year at a 3:1 ratio.
Additionally, technology infrastructure upgrades will commence in the coming weeks that will help improve the speed and capacity needed to support increased uses of technology in the classroom. Using a combination of voter-approved bond funds, federal “e-rate” funds, and the Governor’s one-time funding, the District is upgrading its data center and upgrading bandwidth in all schools.
Using Measure G bond funds for Folsom schools, the District also will soon begin installation of new LED flat screen presentation devices - interactive, state-of-the-art tools that teachers and students can use to create multimedia lessons and presentations, videoconference with other schools and remote locations, and more. A timeline for installation is still being developed.