School district implementing tech upgrades

structional technology for Glen Cove City School District, delivered a comprehensive technology update during the Board of Education meeting on May 22. Her presentation detailed significant advancements and future designs to enhance both educational and operational efficiency across the district, focusing on energy efficiency, cybersecurity and improvements funded by the Smart Schools Bond Act.
To promote sustainability and cost savings, the district has implemented smart plugs as part of an energy performance contract. Installed across various buildings, the smart plugs allow for the scheduling of device power usage, which minimizes power consumption during non-peak hours, such as nights and weekends, when the buildings are unoccupied. This initiative is a step towards reducing the district’s overall energy footprint and operational costs.
In another significant development, the district has completed a district-wide upgrade to Windows 10 in almost all its buildings. This transition is set to enhance security, productivity and the overall quality of instruction. Safety and security have also been enhanced with the deployment of a new, AI-enhanced security surveillance system. This state-of-the-art platform aims to improve the safety of students and staff throughout the district. Comprehensive training has been provided to building administrators and security personnel to ensure effective use and management of the new technology, reinforcing the district’s proactive stance on safety.
Addressing the need for updated printing and fax solutions, the district plans to replace its outdated Dell printers with new copiers in communal locations over the summer. Additionally, an E-fax solution has been purchased to replace traditional fax machines. This move to a paperless, eco-friendly alternative is anticipated to be both cost-effective and efficient, aligning with the district’s broader sustainability goals.
The district will also implement multifactor authentications for all employees in the coming months. This added layer of security is crucial for verifying user identities and protecting sensitive data. The initiative aligns with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and ensures compliance with cybersecurity insurance requirements.

A significant portion of the update focused on the Smart Schools Bond Act, created in 2014, which authorized the state to borrow up to $2 billion to finance technology improvements in schools throughout the state. It provides funding to improve educational technology infrastructure. Glen Cove City School District has been allocated $921,754, of which $169,500 is designated for private entities, leaving $687,323 for district projects.
“Funds are allocated based on enrollment data,” Policastro said. “This means that 22.6 percent of Glen Cove City School District’s funds will be shared with non-public entities. Funds must be spent using district dollars first, then we’ll seek reimbursement from the state after the monies have been spent.”
One of the primary projects involves upgrading the district’s wireless internet infrastructure. The district plans to purchase 250 upgraded wireless access points to replace those installed in 2015. The current access points struggle to support the increased number of devices and connectivity demands.
The new access points will ensure faster and more reliable internet connections, crucial for modern educational requirements.
This upgrade supports the district’s long-term technology goals and ensures that students and staff have reliable access to online resources. Policastro noted that faster and more reliable internet connections are crucial, highlighting that modern wireless access points can handle a greater number of connections since students and staff are connecting with multiple devices at one time.
“As the number of devices in schools continues to grow, upgraded wireless access points can scale to meet the increased demand without compromising performance,” Policastro said. “Upgrading wireless access points ensures that this long-term investment can support the district’s educational goals and technology plans for years to come.”
In addition to upgrading the wireless infrastructure, the district will invest in 200 new interactive display boards to replace outdated projectors. These new boards will significantly enhance the learning experience by allowing students to interact with content directly. Teachers can incorporate multimedia elements into their lessons, catering to diverse learning styles and making lessons more engaging. This investment is part of a broader effort to integrate advanced technology into classrooms, preparing students and teachers for a tech-driven future.
The installation of the new wireless access points and interactive display boards, commonly referred to as Smartboards, will take place over the course of the year. Technicians have assessed the current state of technology in each classroom, prioritizing replacements based on the need for upgrades. Classrooms with the most outdated equipment and highest repair frequencies will be the first to receive new devices. The district is coordinating with building and grounds facilities to ensure that necessary cabling and infrastructure are in place for the new installations.