Robust Infrastructure
Robust Infrastructure
Our vision is to deliver a secure, sustainable, and high-performing technology infrastructure that protects district data, minimizes disruptions, and powers innovative, equitable, and future-ready digital learning for all students and educators.
Goal 1: Strengthen Cybersecurity Readiness
By June 30, 2026, New Bedford Public Schools will fully implement a districtwide cybersecurity plan to protect systems and data, achieving 100% compliance with state and federal data privacy regulations and reducing security-related system downtime by 50%, while ensuring 100% of staff complete cybersecurity training by the end of the school year.
Action: Conduct a Districtwide Risk Assessment
- Identify all systems, data repositories, and user access points.
- Use findings to define acceptable levels of risk and prioritize system vulnerabilities.
Timeline
July–August 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director
Action: Develop & Finalize the Cybersecurity Plan
- Align the plan with national standards (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework).
- Include incident response protocols, acceptable use policies, and escalation procedures.
Timeline
September–October 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director
Action: Update Infrastructure and Deploy Security Tools
- Roll out updated endpoint protection tools across all district devices.
- Deploy multi-factor authentication and network monitoring systems
Timeline
November 2025–February 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: Staff Training and Awareness Campaigns
- Launch mandatory cybersecurity awareness modules for all staff.
- Schedule biannual refresher training with real-world phishing simulations.
Timeline
December 2025–March 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: Compliance Audit and Policy Review
- Conduct a full audit to ensure FERPA, CIPA, and COPPA compliance. Review and update all data privacy and acceptable use policies.
Timeline
April–May 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: System Performance Monitoring and Downtime Tracking
- Use network analytics tools to monitor and report on downtime trends.
- Adjust strategies to maintain or exceed the 50% reduction target
Timeline
Ongoing (Quarterly reports)
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: Final Evaluation and Public Summary Report
- Share key outcomes and progress with stakeholders.
- Include compliance benchmarks, risk reduction highlights, and next steps.
Timeline
Timeline: June 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Goal 2: Optimize System Sustainability
By April 2026, New Bedford Public Schools will strengthen infrastructure sustainability by finalizing and adopting a 4-year replacement cycle for all student and staff devices, servers, and network components; conducting a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis for all major infrastructure assets to inform FY27 budget planning; and aligning procurement and funding schedules with the lifecycle plan to reduce emergency technology purchases by at least 80%..
Action: Inventory Existing Technology Assets
- Audit all current devices, servers, and network hardware.
- Track age, condition, and usage data to establish baseline for lifecycle planning.
Timeline
July–August 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: Develop and Approve Replacement Cycle
- Draft a 4-year replacement schedule aligned with best practices and device performance data.
- Secure cabinet-level approval and publish guidance for implementation.
Timeline
September 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: TConduct TCO Analysis Across Systems
- Analyze cost of acquisition, maintenance, support, and replacement for major infrastructure categories.
- Use findings to guide FY27 budgeting and long-term capital planning.
Timeline
October–November 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: Align Procurement & Budgeting Timelines
- Integrate replacement cycle into budget planning documents.
- Create multiyear procurement timelines to avoid urgent, unplanned purchase
Timeline
December 2025–February 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: Monitor Emergency Purchases and Adjust Plan
- Track unplanned/emergency purchases and compare to prior-year data.
- Adjust cycle or budgeting practices to stay within the 80% reduction target.
Timeline
March–April 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Goal 3: Monitor and Enhance Network Performance
By March 2026, New Bedford Public Schools will improve network reliability and performance by installing and utilizing real-time monitoring tools at all buildings to track uptime, bandwidth, and usage patterns; resolving identified bottlenecks to increase average network speed by 25% across priority learning areas; and publishing quarterly network performance reports to support transparency and guide continuous improvement.
Action: Evaluate and Select Monitoring Tools
- Research and procure real-time network monitoring solutions that align with district infrastructure needs and budget.
Timeline
July–August 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team, Director of Projects
Action: Deploy and Configure Monitoring Tools
- Install monitoring systems across all school buildings.
- Configure dashboards and alerts to track key metrics like uptime, bandwidth usage, and latency.
Timeline
September–October 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team, Director of Projects
Action: Analyze Data and Identify Network Bottlenecks
- Use collected data to identify underperforming areas.
- Prioritize improvements in high-traffic instructional zones.
Timeline
November–December 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team, Director of Projects
Action: Publish Quarterly Network Performance Reports
- Share findings and improvements with district leadership and technology stakeholders.
- Use reports to inform future planning and promote infrastructure transparency
Timeline
December 2025 and ongoing quarterly
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team, Director of Projects
Action: Implement Network Enhancements
- Upgrade hardware or optimize configurations in targeted areas.
- Re-test performance to confirm a 25% increase in average speed where applicable.
Timeline
January–February 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team, Director of Projects
Long-Term Goal 1: Build Resilient, Scalable Infrastructure
By June 2028, New Bedford Public Schools will establish a districtwide, cloud-integrated infrastructure model that ensures seamless access to digital learning tools across all devices and locations, while incorporating robust disaster recovery protocols and remote learning capabilities to maintain learning continuity during disruptions.
Action: Conduct Infrastructure Readiness Assessment
- Evaluate current server and network architecture for cloud migration readiness.
- Identify gaps in system redundancy, access equity, and disaster recovery planning.
Timeline
Fall 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Action: Develop a Cloud Integration Roadmap
- Define phases of implementation for cloud-based storage, systems access, and single sign-on.
- Align roadmap with existing security protocols and cost projections.ng.
Timeline
Winter 2026–Spring 2027
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Action: Pilot Cloud-Based Access in Selected Schools
- Launch initial implementation in a sample of K–12 schools.
- Collect feedback and usage data to refine districtwide deployment.
Timeline
Fall 2027
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Action: Implement Districtwide Cloud Access and Disaster Recovery
- Expand cloud-based infrastructure to all schools and departments.
- Implement automated backup systems, failover servers, and virtual access tools for learning continuity.
Timeline
Winter–Spring 2028
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Action: Train Staff and Communicate System Updates
- Offer professional development on cloud access, security, and continuity procedures.
- Develop easy-to-follow guides for staff, students, and families on accessing tools remotely.
Timeline
Ongoing from 2027–2028
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Long-Term Goal 2: Build Resilient, Scalable Infrastructure
By June 2028, New Bedford Public Schools will establish a districtwide, cloud-integrated infrastructure model that ensures seamless access to digital learning tools across all devices and locations, while incorporating robust disaster recovery protocols and remote learning capabilities to maintain learning continuity during disruptions.
Action: Develop and Adopt an Upgrade & Replacement Cycle
- Create a multi-year lifecycle plan for networking equipment and end-user devices.
- Include replacement intervals for switches, access points, servers, and classroom tech.
Timeline
Fall 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Action: Conduct Bandwidth and Wireless Network Analysis
- Assess current wireless coverage and capacity across all buildings.
- Implement changes to ensure all users have access to reliable bandwidth that meets learning and operational needs.
Timeline
Winter 2025–Spring 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Action: Leverage E-Rate Funding Strategically
- Monitor changes to the E-Rate program and apply for eligible infrastructure upgrades.
- Partner with local internet and service providers to maximize funding impact.
Timeline
Annually, starting Spring 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Action: Reduce Hardware Maintenance Costs
- Transition aging hardware out of service based on lifecycle plan.
- Centralize support systems and leverage managed services to reduce on-site technical demands.
Timeline
2026–2028
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Action: Evaluate System Efficiency and User Satisfaction
- Survey staff and monitor service tickets to gauge system reliability.
- Adjust planning and procurement based on findings to maintain efficiency and satisfac
Timeline
Annually, Spring 2027 & 2028
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, and senior tech team
Goal 4: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for All Staff
By February 2026, New Bedford Public Schools will implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all district systems, beginning with cabinet-level administrators in September 2025 and expanding to all leadership positions, PRAB departments, and classroom teachers. This phased rollout will strengthen account security, protect sensitive data, and align with cybersecurity best practices.
Action: Initiate MFA for cabinet-level administrators and conduct training on secure access protocols.
Timeline
September 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team .
Action: Expand MFA to district and school leadership teams, including principals, assistant principals, and directors.
Timeline
October–November 2025
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: Extend MFA implementation to all PRAB departments (Personnel, Research, Assessment, Business) with department-specific support materials.
Timeline
December 2025–January 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team
Action: Complete full rollout by enabling MFA for all teaching staff and remaining instructional personnel.
- Provide tiered communication, training, and help desk support for each rollout phase.
- Monitor MFA adoption rates and address access issues or security concerns in real-time.
- Report implementation progress to district leadership with recommendations for system optimization and policy integration.
Timeline
February 2026
Point Person(s)
Assistant Superintendent for Technology & Learning, Network Director, MIS Team