3-Year Tech Plan
3-Year Tech Plan
2022/23 -2025/26
Gervais School District acknowledges that supporting the use of educational technology is an important part of 21st century learning. The purpose of this 3-Year Technology Plan is to support teaching and learning while determining appropriate needs for investments in technology.
This plan was developed by the district's Technology Planning Committee whose members include:
Andrew Aman, Gervais High School Principal
Bonny Atwood, Teaching and Learning TOSA
Kerry Broadhurst, Teacher
John Cook, Teacher
Caryn Davis, Business Manager
Phillip Joy-Koer, Personnel Clerk
Tracy Lewis, Director of Technology
Celia Marquez, Student Data Specialist
Gervais School District is located between Woodburn and Salem and has a population of approximately 860 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). Gervais High School has an approximate enrollment of 300 students and Gervais Middle School 215 students. Enrollment at Gervais Elementary is about 350 students. The district also partners with an online school, Frontier Charter Academy, which has an enrollment of about 445 students.
Since 1998, the technology department has been developing a district focused technology plan, putting limited resources where they are most needed within the district. The goal has been putting cutting edge technology in the hands of all students and teachers, along with the resources necessary to make it an effective tool.
Gervais School District presently has 1,950 Chromebooks, 111 Chromeboxes, 171 desktop Windows computers, 206 laptop Windows computers, 65 document cameras, and 81 LCD projectors in inventory. At Gervais Elementary, each classroom has a class set of 27 Chromebooks for student use. Additionally at GES, each student is assigned an individual computer to keep at their home for use in school closures due to weather, pandemic, facility issue, etc. At Gervais Middle School and Gervais High School, students have individually assigned Chromebooks to be used at home and at school, and each classroom has a set of 6 loaner Chromebooks for students to use if their assigned Chromebook is accidentally left at home, has a dead battery, or is otherwise unusable.
The district has a surveillance system covering all buildings. Currently, there are 44 digital camera views in use at GES, 26 at GMS, 40 at GHS, 12 at the district buildings, and 5 at the Pioneer Transportation facility.
Supported operating systems at Gervais School District include Windows 10/11, ChromeOS, and Android. Supported web browsers include Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. The district supported Learning Management Systems (LMS) is Google Classroom.
Internet connectivity in the Gervais School District is via a 2 Gbps direct circuit from DataVision/Gervais Telephone Company at 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). Voice over IP (VoIP) telephones are in all district classrooms and offices.
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. The district uses Sophos Endpoint Agent Antivirus.
Both Microsoft Office 365 and Google are used for district 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” (checked for objectionable, virus, and spam content) 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.
Student data at Gervais School District is managed using the PowerSchool® student information system. Classroom attendance and electronic gradebooks are accessed on PowerTeacher®. The PowerSchool® and PowerTeacher® programs provide student demographics and other information at staff workstations, facilitating communications within the building and with parents. The ParentPortal® component allows parents on-line 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 other products such as SchoolMessenger® (emergency notification system and auto-dialer) and TieNet® (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. The entire PowerSchool® student information system is hosted off-site and is accessed via the web.
Employee Access (EA®), formerly InfiniteVisions®, is the district's human resources, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and accounting suite. It is web-based and hosted by Linn Benton Lincoln ESD.
FrontLine®, formerly AESOP®, is the district's substitute worker management online tool.
Parent communication and dissemination of information is accomplished using various methods, including the district’s web page, email, social media, telephone, signage, printed newsletters, conferences and open houses, the PowerSchool ParentPortal®, and the district’s attendance auto-dialer/emergency notification system (ENS). The SchoolMessenger® ENS is an off-site calling service that is used to make daily attendance calls when students miss one or more periods of school. SchoolMessenger® is also used to send calls, texts, and emails to staff and students in special circumstances and emergencies, as well as for announcements, reminders, and other uses.
Gervais School District will align with the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Standards, which are standards for the use of technology in teaching and learning. The integration of technology into instruction is the primary goal of this technology plan.
Student Goal 1:
All students in grades 3 – 5 will receive basic keyboarding instruction using Typing Pal or similar software to become more comfortable using the computer to gather information, solve problems, and communicate their knowledge.
Implementation:
During the 2022-23 school year, the Teaching and Learning TOSA will meet with Gervais Elementary School staff to develop a plan for integrating keyboarding instruction into the schedule, create a basic keyboarding curriculum, and write keyboarding proficiency rubrics for grades 3 – 5.
Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, the Gervais Elementary School Principal shall include basic keyboarding instruction in the grades 3 – 5 curricula.
Student Goal 2:
All students in grades K – 12 will receive annual Behavior and Social-Emotional (BASE) Curriculum instruction on positive, safe, legal, and ethical practices for using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices.
Implementation:
Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, the School Psychologist shall include lessons on positive, safe, legal, and ethical technology practices in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula.
Educator Goal 1:
All district staff will receive annual cybersecurity training through Vector Solutions® (formerly SafeSchools®) to better protect personal data and digital identity as well as protect student data privacy.
Implementation:
Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, the Personnel Clerk shall assign the following training modules to all employees:
§ Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees: Security Awareness Essentials
§ Cybersecurity Awareness for Employees: Social Engineering
And the following additional modules to all administrators:
§ Cybersecurity Awareness for Business Leaders: Safeguarding Against Social Engineer Attacks
§ Cybersecurity Awareness for Business Leaders: Incident Preparedness and Management Planning
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:
Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, the Teaching and Learning TOSA shall schedule professional development for all staff responsible for implementing newly adopted digital curriculum and materials.
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:
Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, the Director of Special Programs will facilitate technology information classes in English and Spanish at the start of each semester.
Device support, research, purchasing and maintenance
Budget, administration
Network systems
Technical and end-user support
Webpage and other communications
System management, data entry, reporting
Technical and end-user support
Future Staffing:
Technology Clerk/Support Representative (.5 FTE)
Assist Tech Department staff as needed
The district uses Chromebooks to provide 21st century style learning. In addition to supporting instruction at school, the Chromebooks are an essential tool for homework, access to online tutoring, and maintaining the ability to conduct learning and to communicate in the event of school closures (weather, pandemic, etc.). All students have regular access to Chromebooks via 1-to-1 assignment and classroom sets. Full classroom sets of 26-30 are in grades PK-5 classrooms, and sets of 6 loaners are in grades 6-12 classrooms to be used when the student forgets theirs at home or otherwise has a need. Libraries, maker spaces and music rooms also have Chrome devices available.
Children with learning disabilities often have better technology skills than their teachers and peers, and they are drawn to computers and other gadgets. Using technology 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. It can also read to the students with severe dyslexia. The development of helpful apps, programs, and devices to overcome learning and physical challenges is endless.
Technology needs for students are assessed on an individual basis. Students with disabilities are provided with technologies as required in Individualized Education Plans. Students who may have temporary needs are provided with cost effective solutions in accordance with student IEPs. The district does not keep a stock of Assistive Technology but will provide for its purchase after evaluation and upon requirement. Special Education classrooms are equipped with Chromebooks and tablets to enable student access while working with educators.
The district recognizes the importance of teaching Digital Citizenship (Internet safety and digital literacy). Students must be educated in digital literacy to be safe online, to effectively communicate and to complete work ethically and in accordance with copyright law. Educational staff will receive ongoing Digital Citizenship training and regular classroom teachers will provide grade-level appropriate Digital Citizenship instruction to all students as an addition to the curriculum.
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. CIPA requires protection measures that block or filter Internet access to pictures that are: (a) obscene; (b) child pornography; or (c) harmful to minors (for computers that are accessed by minors). Further, CIPA requires that schools adopt and implement Internet safety policy addressing:
Access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet;
The safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications;
Unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online;
Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and
Measures restricting minors' access to materials harmful to them.
Available free educator resources for Digital Citizenship instruction include: Common Sense Media, FBI Safe Online Surfing, InCtrl Digital Citizenship Series, Be Internet Awesome, iKeepSafe Resources for Educators
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, superintendent and technology director. The technology committee further recommends:
that the district support teachers to effectively utilize technology in the classroom, and other staff, by supporting and promoting relevant professional development
that technology leadership in the form of staff experts and instructors is encouraged (e.g. Google Certified Coach/Educator/Trainer)
that professional development sessions be encouraged including, but not limited to:
Google Education and Chromebook Usage
Technology Integration in Classroom Instruction
Acceptable Online Use and Conduct
Flipped Classroom Model
Vector Solutions® courses that may be useful to Gervais Staff:
Browser Security Basics
Compliance with CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act)
Copyright Infringement
Cyberbullying
Cybersecurity Overview
Digital Citizenship for Administrators
Digital Citizenship for Elementary Teachers
Digital Citizenship for Secondary Teachers
Email and Messaging Safety
FERPA: Confidentiality of Records
Online Safety: Predators
Online Safety: Threats of Violence
Online Safety: What Every Educator Needs to Know
Password Security Basics
Protection Against Malware
Estimated cost: $7,500 (annual)
Potential funding source: General Fund
Accountability: Technology Director will initiate discussion with Admin Team in Winter 2022 to plan for 2023-24 school year
Estimated cost: $67,500 (annual) - 1800 units @ $300/ea. on 8-year cycle
Potential funding source: General Fund
Accountability: Technology Director will initiate discussion with Superintendent and Business Manager in Winter 2022 to plan to begin 8 year cycle in 2023-24 school year
Estimated cost: $13,500 (annual) - 90 units @ $750 on 5-year cycle
Potential funding source: General Fund, Esser 3
Accountability: 5-year cycle will begin in 2022-23 using Esser 3 funding, Technology Director will initiate discussion with Superintendent and Business Manager in Winter 2022 to plan for year 2 of 5 year cycle in 2023-24 school year
Estimated cost: $21,600 (annual) - 120 @ $900 on 5-year cycle
Potential funding source: General Fund
Accountability: Technology Director will initiate discussion with Superintendent and Business Manager in Winter 2022 to plan to begin 5 year cycle in 2023-24 school year
Estimated cost: $250,000 (7-year cycle)
Potential funding source: General Fund, excise tax (?), facility rentals (?)
Accountability: Technology Director will discuss funding options with Superintendent in Fall/Winter 2022
Estimated cost: $85,000 (5-year cycle)
Potential funding source: E-Rate and General Fund
Accountability: Technology Director will apply for E-Rate FY2026 funding to replace
Estimated cost: $200,000 (7-year cycle)
Potential funding source: E-Rate and General Fund
Accountability: Technology Director will apply for E-Rate FY2026 funding to replace
Estimated cost: $25,000 (5-year cycle)
Potential funding source: E-Rate and General Fund
Accountability: Technology Director will apply for E-Rate FY2026 funding to replace
Estimated cost: $100,000 (12-year cycle)
Potential funding source: General Fund
Accountability: Technology Director will discuss funding options with Superintendent as needed
Estimated cost: varies (20-year cycle or as needed)
Potential funding source: General Fund
Accountability: Technology Director will discuss funding options with Superintendent as needed
Anticipating the passage of a bond initiative to renew and expand several classrooms and shared spaces in all three district schools, the Technology Planning Committee asked district parents, students, and staff to complete surveys of their experiences with district technology and their future expectations of technology in the district. Reponses to those surveys are compiled here. With regard to present areas of need, bond construction planning, and future district classrooms/workspaces, takeaways from the surveys are:
Students - out of 81 respondents...
37 would like more Chromebooks in classrooms
53 would like better Chromebooks
17 would like the teachers to have more training in tech integration
40 would like better classroom projectors
27 would like to have a hotspot to use
23 believe that students need more instruction in Digital Citizenship to protect themselves online and to prevent bullying and other incidents
33 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include large TV's or video walls, while 45 would like them to have high quality projectors and screens
47 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include SmartBoards
44 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include demo cams (displays teacher work area on screen(s) for lab experiments, cooking demo, etc.)
35 would like new and remodeled classrooms to have audio enhancement systems (teacher wears a microphone and sound is amplified to classroom speakers)
Staff - out of 56 respondents...
Regarding student accessibility to technology, the staff approval score was 217 points out of 280 (78%)
Regarding the quality of technology assigned to students, the staff approval score was 211 points out of 280 (75%)
Regarding staff accessibility to technology, the staff approval score was 212 points out of 280 (76%)
Regarding the quality of technology assigned to staff, the staff approval score was 197 points out of 280 (70%)
16 indicated a need for more classroom Chromebooks
15 indicated a need for better classroom Chromebooks
13 indicated a need for more staff training
27 believe more technology education needs to be done to adequately prepare students for the workforce - it was emphasized by many that typing skills are a necessity
34 believe that students need more instruction in Digital Citizenship to protect themselves online and to prevent bullying and other incidents
14 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include large TV's or video walls, while 27 would like them to have high quality projectors and screens
26 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include SmartBoards
25 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include demo cams
21 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include audio enhancement systems
Parents - out of 16 respondents...
Regarding student accessibility to technology, the parent approval score was 72 points out of 80 (90%)
Regarding the quality of technology assigned to their student, the parent approval score was 62 points out of 80 (78%)
6 would like better quality Chromebooks
6 indicated a need for more parent training to help students with Chromebooks and Google
6 indicated a need for more teacher training to integrate technology in education
8 indicated a need for typing skills education for students
9 indicated that students need more instruction in Digital Citizenship
7 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include SmartBoards
8 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include demo cams
2 would like new and remodeled classrooms to include audio enhancement systems
Based on this data, this committee recommends that all new and remodeled classrooms in Gervais School District have the following technology, in addition to the standard student and teacher computers and Chromebooks and document cameras:
demo cams when appropriate to the subject matter (e.g. science classrooms, CTE classrooms, elementary self-contained classrooms)
high quality, ceiling mounted projectors and screens
installed audio enhancement systems, installed speakers and wearable and handheld microphones
Interactive whiteboards would require teacher training and commitment, so this committee leaves the decision of implementation to the building principals.
Equipment suggestions from the surveys and this committee for flexible workspaces include:
they should have all of the same technology as the classrooms (Chromebooks, projectors/TVs for presenting, document cameras, demo cams, and enhanced audio if the space is large enough to be warranted)
they should have equipment that is readily accessible to students so that they might easily connect their device and present/share with others
they should have video conferencing capability
they (as well as any common areas for student use) should have plentiful power outlets and charging banks
new and innovative technology should be made available in the shared spaces
Cybersecurity Procedures
A Cyber Incident Response Plan is presently being drafted in coordination with The Willamette Education Service District. It will be completed no later than June 30, 2023 and will be linked here and in the Documents list below when finished.
The district takes cybersecurity and data protection very seriously. The district has many processes in place to ensure our resilience and responsivity to cyber threats. Among these are:
Daily data backups
Use of cloud-based versions of programs that house sensitive data because of their enhanced encryption, intrusion detection and prevention, hijack protection, physical security, and disaster recovery systems
Administrative rights restricted on workstations
Quarterly password changes
Hard drive destruction when computers are recycled
PACE (insurance) audits
Staff training in cybersecurity best practices
Access Control
The district uses this Gervais School District Access Protocols document as guidance when providing access in the form of keys, security cards, network and email access, and student information access.
Acceptable Use
The district has adopted Acceptable Use and Social Media Guidelines. Every student is required to annually complete the Student Technology Acceptable Use Agreement document. A paper copy 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 document outlines situations in which the district will delete or prohibit comments from the public.
Student Technology Acceptable Use Agreement (printable)
Student Technology Acceptable Use Agreement (electronic)
Staff Technology Acceptable Use Agreement (printable)
Staff Technology Acceptable Use Agreement (electronic)
Gervais School District Social Media Account Registration Form