Index 




Introduction 

Gervais School District recognizes that educational technology is an integral part of 21st century learning. The purpose of this 3-Year Technology Plan is to describe the district's role and to inform appropriate technology strategies and investments in support of teaching and learning.

This plan was developed by the district's Technology Planning Committee whose members include:

Demographics

Gervais School District is located between Woodburn and Salem and has a population of approximately 900 K-12 students. Interstate 5 divides the district with the Willamette River on the western boundary and Mount Angel and Silverton on the eastern boundary. 

The District is comprised of one elementary school (grades K-5), one middle school (grades 6-8) and one high school (grades 9-12). Enrollment at Gervais High School is approximately 300 students and at Gervais Middle School, it is about 220 students.  Gervais Elementary's enrollment is about 380 students.  The Gervais Preschool has about 50 students.  The district also partners with an online school, Frontier Charter Academy, which has an enrollment of about 390 students.

Since 1998, the technology department has been adhering to a district-focused technology plan, directing limited resources where they are most needed within the district and putting technology in the hands of all students and teachers, along with the resources necessary to make it an effective tool.

 

Current Technology Summary
Devices:  Gervais School District maintains an inventory of about 2000 Chromebooks, 30 Chromeboxes, 32 Windows11 desktop computers, 235 Windows11 laptop computers, 60 document cameras, and 65 LCD projectors in inventory.  Each district classroom has a class set of 28 or more Chromebooks for student use.

Surveillance:  The district has a surveillance system for district safety.  Currently, there are 70 digital cameras throughout the district covering the elementary, middle and high school campi as well as the district offices and the Pioneer Transportation facility.  13 HALO Smart Sensors are mounted in middle and high school bathrooms and locker rooms to provide vaping detection and other health and safety monitoring.  The HALOs have linked cameras mounted outside the bathrooms and locker rooms to aid in identification as people leave or enter the area.

Connectivity:  Internet connectivity is via a 2 Gbps direct circuit from DataVision/Gervais Telephone Company to Gervais Middle School.  Fiber connections between school buildings are over district-owned fiber at 1Gbps, and the connection to the Pioneer transportation facility is 20 Mbps.  A wireless network covers all classrooms, schools, and facilities.  There are 108 Wi-Fi Access Points (2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n/ax, 5 GHz 802.11a/n/ac/ax client access radio).  

Internet Safety:  The district employs a Cisco Umbrella® Security Appliance for CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) content filtering.   All staff and student devices are protected from objectionable and inappropriate Internet material by this CIPA filter.  Chromebooks are also covered by the content filter when used outside of the district network.  For antivirus protection, the district uses Sophos Endpoint Protection.

Supported Software and Applications:  Supported operating systems at Gervais School District include Windows 11, ChromeOS, and Android.  Supported web browsers include Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.  The district's supported Learning Management Systems (LMS) is Google Classroom.  

Both Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps Suites are used for district productivity and email.  Students use only Gmail for email, while staff have access to accounts in both Gmail and Outlook 365.  All incoming mail messages for staff are duplicated in their Gmail and Outlook inboxes.   Email is filtered by Microsoft 365, Google, and Tangent’s Barracuda® Spam Filter.  Finally, email is archived by a Data443 ArcMail Defender® hosted archiving service as required by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) Rule 26.

Students and teachers use Clever SSO (single sign-on) to securely log into multiple educational applications using a single login, such as their login credentials or a Clever Badge (QR code).  After logging into their Clever Portal once, they can access all connected applications with a single click, and without needing to log into each one individually.

Student data at Gervais School District is managed using the PowerSchool® student information system (SIS).  Classroom attendance and electronic gradebooks are accessed on PowerTeacher®.  The ParentPortal® component allows parental online access to their students’ attendance, assignments, schedules, reports cards, and transcript information while the StudentPortal® provides similar access to students.  PowerSchool also serves as a platform for access to TieNet®  which is a hosted special education records platform for IEP's and 504's.  The district uses PowerSchool's TalentEd® for posting district employment opportunities and as an application process for those openings.  All PowerSchool® access is web-based and all district data is hosted (stored, managed and accessed on remote, third-party servers).

Employee Access® (EA) from Tyler Technologies is the district's human resources, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and accounting suite.  All of our EA access is web-based and all district data is hosted (stored, managed and accessed on remote, third-party servers).

FrontLine Absence Management®, is the district's online tool for employee absences and substitute worker management.

Communications:  Parent communication and dissemination of information is accomplished using various communication tools including the district’s web page, email, social media, auto-dialer telephone messaging, signage, newsletters, school newspaper, the PowerSchool ParentPortal®, and FlashAlert.net for press releases and  school closure alerts.  

Apptegy Thrillshare® is a comprehensive, all-in-one communications platform  that is used to manage the district website, mobile app, social media accounts, auto-dialer and SMS (text) communications from a single interface.  Apptegy also interfaces with the district's SIS (PowerSchool®), to automate daily attendance robocalls and to streamline communications to subsets of students and parents.  

Pikmykid® is another communication tool used districtwide for attendance and staff communication in emergencies and in monthly drills.  It also functions as a cellphone app-based "panic button" for staff to alert others or signal for assistance in the event of an emergency, and it is used at the elementary level in their daily dismissal process to let parents know their students were released as expected and to the care of authorized persons.

Yealink voice over IP (VoIP) telephones are in all district classrooms and offices.  

 

Instructional Technology Vision & Goals

The Gervais School District Instructional Technology Vision aligns with the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Standards, which are standards for the use of technology in teaching and learning. These standards guide instruction to empower students to become creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, effective collaborators and innovators while preparing them to thrive in an evolving technological landscape.

Student Goals

Student Goal 1:

All students in grades K – 5 will receive information literacy instruction aligned to the Oregon School Library Standards and Grade-Level Learning Goals.

 

Implementation:

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, the Gervais Elementary School Librarian shall include information literacy instruction in grades K – 5 Library Media curricula.


Student Goal 2:

All students in grades K – 12 will receive annual instruction in their Homeroom (GES/GMS) or Advisory (GHS) class on positive, safe, legal, and ethical practices for using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices.

 

Implementation:

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, School Counselors shall include lessons on positive, safe, legal, and ethical technology practices in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula.    


Educator Goals

Educator Goal 1:

All district staff will receive annual and/or biennial training on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital citizenship as appropriate to their roles using Vector Solutions® (formerly SafeSchools®) online courseware.

 

Implementation:

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, the Personnel Clerk shall assign the following training modules to educational (not food service or custodial/maintenance) staff at the Preschool and Elementary levels:


And the following training modules to educational (not food service or custodial/maintenance) staff at the secondary level:


And the following training modules to Adminstratoers and Managers:


And the following training modules to all otheer employees:


 

Educator Goal 2:

All teaching staff will receive professional development on adopted digital curriculum and materials to meet the diverse needs of all students through equitable access to educational technology, digital content, and learning opportunities.

 

Implementation:

The Teaching and Learning TOSA shall schedule professional development for all staff responsible for implementing newly adopted digital curriculum and materials.


Community Goals

Community Goal 1:

Gervais School District will host technology information classes to build the confidence and competency of parents to communicate with the district and monitor and assist their student’s learning.

 

Implementation:

The Director of Special Programs will facilitate technology information classes in English and Spanish at the start of each semester.



Staffing

Management - Director of Technology (1 FTE)


PowerSchool Administrator (2 FTE through 2026-27, 1 FTE thereafter)



Curriculum and Instruction

Digital Connectivity and Technology for Teaching and Learning 

The district uses Chromebooks to provide 21st century style learning.  Classroom sets of 28 or more Chromebooks in wall-mounted or rolling charging racks are in all district classrooms and libraries.  In addition to supporting instruction at school, Chromebooks allow for off-campus learning support when needed for online tutoring, extended student absence, extended school closures, etc.


Technology for Students with Disabilities

Children with learning disabilities often have very strong technology skills and they are drawn to computers and other technology.  Access to technology supports in the classroom can greatly improve educational outcomes for these students. For children with physical disabilities, technology can give access to learning opportunities previously closed to them. E-books help students turn book pages without applying dexterity, and voice adaptive software can help students answer questions without needing to write or type. The district recognizes that the application of helpful apps, programs, and devices to overcome learning and physical challenges is endless.  

Technology needs for Gervais students are assessed on an individual basis and adaptive technology is provided according to identified needs and as required in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The district does not keep a stock of adaptive technology devices but instead provides for an individualized solution, due to the diversity of student needs and a constantly evolving array of appliances and solutions.  Special Education classrooms are equipped with Chromebooks and/or tablets to facilitate general access to technology as in all district classrooms.

Digital Citizenship

The district recognizes the importance of teaching Digital Citizenship (Internet safety and digital literacy). Students must be equipped with the skills to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly and ethically.  District educational staff (teachers, assistants, and administrators) receive annual Digital Citizenship training and classroom teachers provide grade-level appropriate Digital Citizenship instruction to all students promoting online safety, media literacy, cyberbullying prevention, and respectful communication. This education fosters critical thinking and digital wellbeing, and prepares students for modern careers.   Available free resources for Digital Citizenship instruction include: Common Sense Media, FBI Safe Online Surfing, Be Internet Awesome, iKeepSafe Resources for Educators



Internet Safety, Cybersecurity, Acceptable Use, Social Media Expectations, and Access Control

Internet Safety

The district provides content filtering of all Internet connectivity in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).  The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children's access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet.  Further, CIPA requires that schools adopt and implement Internet safety policy addressing:

Cybersecurity Procedures

The district's  Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan, drafted in coordination with the Willamette Education Service District, is linked in the Documents list below.  The district takes cybersecurity and data protection very seriously.  Listed here are some of the many processes in place to ensure our resilience and responsivity to cyber threats. 



Acceptable Use

The district has adopted Acceptable Use and Social Media Guidelines.  Every student (or parent, as appropriate) is required to annually complete the Student Technology Acceptable Use Agreement document.  A paper copy in English or a paper copy in Spanish can be printed if needed.  Forms must be signed digitally or in writing by both the student and a parent and are to be kept on file by the school office.  Similarly, all staff are required to complete the Staff Technology Acceptable Use Agreement document. A paper copy can be printed if needed.  Forms must be signed digitally or in writing and are to be kept on file by the administrator or supervisor. User access to district technology will not be allowed without a signed Acceptable Use Agreement on file.


Social Media Guidelines

The Gervais School District Social Media Guidelines document defines the social networking and social media policy for Gervais School District employees when using social media either for personal use or in a professional capacity for the district.

The Social Media Guidelines for the Public and the Gervais School District Social Media Rules of Engagement documents outline situations in which the district will delete or prohibit comments from the public.



Access Control

The district uses this Gervais School District Access Protocols document as guidance when providing access in the form of keys, security cards, and network, email, applications, and student information access.


Policies

Gervais School District Policies  IIBGA, IIBGA-AR, IIBGB, IIBGB-AR, and IKJ (linked below) define the district's stance, protections, and guidelines around electronic communications,  web pages, and artificial intelligence.



Technology Policies and Documents



Professional Development

Professional Development is planned and provided by the district leadership team.  The technology committee recommends that technology professional development needs be surveyed in annual end-of-year building surveys at the direction of the principals.  The technology committee further recommends that professional development sessions be encouraged including, but not limited to:



Standardized, Future-Ready Classrooms and Common Areas

With the passage of a bond initiative to renew and expand several classrooms and common areas across the district, the Technology Planning Committee has compiled, using input from surveys and parent, student, and staff meetings the following standardized technology integrations.  These configurations represent the minimum specifications that will be required for all for bond-funded and ongoing implementations of new and remodeled classrooms and common areas.

Classrooms

Common Areas



Technology Investment Planning

Professional Development

Estimated cost: $7,500 (annual)

Potential funding source: General Fund

Accountability: Annual discussion among Admin Team


Chromebooks

Estimated cost: $67,500 annual (replace 225 units per year)
1800 total units, $300/ea. , 8-year replacement cycle

Potential funding source: General Fund

Accountability:  Technology Director purchases annually in coordination with Superintendent and Business Manager


Desktop computers

Estimated cost: $7,600 annually (replace 8 units per year)
32 total units, $950/ea., 4-year replacement cycle

Potential funding source: General Fund

Accountability:  Technology Director purchases annually in coordination with Superintendent and Business Manager


Laptop computers

Estimated cost: $44,650 annually (replace 47 units per year)
235 total units, $950/ea.,  5-year cycle

Potential funding source: General Fund

Accountability:  Technology Director purchases annually in coordination with Superintendent and Business Manager


Surveillance System Refresh

Estimated cost: $260,000 (7-year cycle)

Potential funding source: General Fund, excise tax, facility rentals

Accountability:  A new system will be installed with bond completion.  Technology Director will discuss funding options with Superintendent 7 years hence.


Wi-Fi Refresh

Estimated cost: $85,000 (6-to 10-year cycle)

Potential funding source: E-Rate and General Fund

Accountability:  Technology Director will apply for E-Rate funding to replace as needed


Wired Network Refresh

Estimated cost: $200,000 (7- to 10-year cycle)

Potential funding source: E-Rate and General Fund

Accountability:  Technology Director will apply for E-Rate funding to replace as needed


Firewall Refresh

Estimated cost: $25,000 (5- to 10-year cycle)

Potential funding source: E-Rate and General Fund

Accountability:  Technology Director will apply for E-Rate funding to replace as needed


Phone System Refresh

Estimated cost: $100,000 (10- to 15-year cycle)

Potential funding source: General Fund, bond

Accountability:  Technology Director will discuss funding options with Superintendent as needed


Cabling Refresh

Estimated cost: varies (20-year cycle or as needed)

Potential funding source: General Fund, bond

Accountability:  Technology Director will discuss funding options with Superintendent as needed


page author:  Tracy Lewis, Dir. or Technology
Gervais School District, 290 1st St., Gervais OR
www.gervais.k12.or.us