Klein ISD – Comprehensive Technology Assessment
Klein ISD commissioned True North to assess the District’s technology systems, identify needs and gaps, and recommend next steps.
Klein Independent School District near Houston, Texas, commissioned True North (A PMY Company) to assess its technology systems, identify needs/ gaps, and recommend next steps. The technology systems within the scope of this assessment included the following:
DATA CENTER: Servers, storage, virtualization, backups, disaster recovery, and room elements (racks, cooling, power, battery backup, generator)
COMPUTE AND ENTERPRISE RESOURCES: Compute, storage, and backup represent the centralized servers, storage area networks, and backup strategies deployed in the school to support internal-use applications, data storage, and the protection of that data
ENTERPRISE APPLICATIONS: On-premise and cloud-hosted applications and software tools that align with operational functions and teaching and learning functions, including the digital curriculum platform, learning management systems, student assessments, parent portals, classroom device management, and staff productivity, collaboration, and communication
WIDE AREA NETWORK: Building-to-building connectivity
INTERNET SYSTEMS: Routers, firewalls, content filtering, and Internet connections
CYBERSECURITY: Systems, tools, software, and procedures to mitigate digital threats from internal and external sources
TELECOMMUNICATIONS/TECHNOLOGY ROOMS AND STRUCTURED CABLING: Rooms and spaces that provide an area or building telecommunications system and the cabling connecting station information outlets in classrooms or offices throughout each building
NETWORK SYSTEMS: Data cabling, network switches/routers, phone systems, and wireless network
SAFETY AND SECURITY TECHNOLOGY: Video surveillance cameras, access control components, visitor management, intrusion control, and campus entrances/exits, emergency communications
CLASSROOM SYSTEMS: Classroom multimedia, telephones, and peripherals such as document cameras and sound reinforcement
AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS: Sound systems, bell, clock, and public address
STUDENT AND STAFF DEVICES: 1:1, BYOD, computer carts, classroom computers, computer labs
DIGITAL TOOLS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING: Software applications for managing, delivering, and enhancing instruction
After collecting and collating the necessary information, True North completed the following:
- Identified gaps in the District’s systems as compared to peer and industry best practices
- Developed a prioritized list of short-term and long-term improvements
- Developed a projected cost for improvements with suggested funding source alignment (eRate, fund balance, and bond funds)
- Developed a baseline for the District’s current use, integration, and state of the District’s technology systems
- Identified strengths and areas for growth for information and instructional technology staff, teams, and departments as compared to industry standards
- Developed a list of recommendations based on findings
- Provided a lifecycle management report
- Provided an Executive board-level presentation
