Educational Technology

 

The Beekmantown Central School District Educational Technology Department supports nearly every operational and instructional function of the district. Beyond traditional technology support, the department is responsible for physical security systems, emergency management technology, cybersecurity, data privacy, audio-visual, district communications, and the systems that keep student and staff information flowing accurately and securely. This summary is organized by category to give a clearer picture of the scope of the department's daily work.

1. Access Control, Video Surveillance & Physical Security

The department manages the technology that keeps our buildings secure.

• Access control systems: assigning building access levels by employee type and need, creating and modifying lock and unlock schedules for holidays and events, and maintaining access credentials for law enforcement.
• Video surveillance: managing district camera systems, user permissions, and the video management platform.
• Visitor management: maintaining check-in kiosks, creating user accounts, and training staff in safety protocols.
• Emergency systems: administering the lockdown system, PA systems, vape sensors, and emergency notification groups.
• School Safety Officers: the district's School Safety Officers are part of this department and report to the Director of IT, Communications & Security.

2. Cybersecurity, Data Privacy & Risk Management

Protecting student and staff data is a legal obligation and a daily responsibility.

• Cybersecurity operations: enforcing multi-factor authentication, managing endpoint protection (CrowdStrike, which provides virus, malware, and ransomware protection), resetting compromised accounts, and responding to incidents.
• Planning and compliance: maintaining the Incident Response Plan and Disaster Recovery Plan.
• Staff training and awareness: managing cybersecurity awareness training through Mimecast and conducting phishing testing for staff.
• Email security: managing IronScales, the district's Integrated Cloud Email Security platform, for spam and phishing prevention and threat remediation.
• Data privacy: vetting vendors and software agreements for compliance, reviewing website content, and controlling account access.

3. Account Creation & Employee Onboarding

Every new hire and student depends on the department from day one.

• Account provisioning: creating and linking accounts across Active Directory, Google Workspace, Schooltool, and ClassLink OneSync, and assigning appropriate group memberships.
• ID badging: issuing staff ID badges and building access credentials through CloudBadging.
• Onboarding support: orienting new employees to district systems and platforms.

4. Student Devices & Connectivity

The department manages every device a student touches.

• Chromebook program: managing nearly 2,700 staff and student Chromebooks, including purchasing, inventory, distribution, provisioning, repair, troubleshooting, invoicing, forensic analysis when incidents occur, and recovery of lost or stolen devices, along with oversight of the student-run repair club.
• iPad management: managing district iPads and apps through JAMF and Apple School Manager.

5. Student Safety Online

The department monitors and filters student internet activity.

• Content filtering: administering filtering platforms across all student devices, on campus and at home.
• Safety monitoring: responding to alerts for concerning student activity, including on-call response.

6. Technical Support & Desktop Management

Day-to-day support keeps classrooms and offices running.

• IT desk support: assisting staff and students with technology questions and support tickets across all buildings.
• Desktop administration: supporting over 400 desktop PCs districtwide, including group policy management, deploying and reimaging PCs, pushing software updates, and handling summer setups and mid-year room moves.
• Remote management: using NinjaOne and SmartDeploy for remote access, critical updates, scripting, and application deployment.
• Interactive flat panels: managing, repairing, and troubleshooting classroom display panels.

7. Network Infrastructure

Every connected device in the district, from Chromebooks to door controllers, runs on networks the department builds and maintains.

• Network administration: managing wired and wireless infrastructure, including bandwidth planning for peak instructional use.
• Connected systems: supporting devices beyond computers, including IP cameras, clocks, speakers, intercoms, door controllers, and vape sensors.
• Physical wiring: terminating and testing network cabling.
• Hardware vetting: reviewing new hardware requests for network compatibility before purchase.

8. Website & District Communications

The department manages the platforms families rely on for district information.

• District website: maintaining the website, managing user access, creating posts and popups, and keeping files and links current.
• ParentSquare: managing groups, permissions, and district and school posts, providing staff support, and administering secure document delivery.
• Digital signage: deploying display devices, scheduling content, and training users.

9. Data Management & System Integration

Accurate data behind the scenes makes everything else work.

• Student information system: supporting Schooltool accounts, the parent and student portal, photo uploads, and data extracts for state reporting.
• Data synchronization: coordinating data flows between Schooltool, Frontline, Clever, OneRoster, and single sign-on systems so accounts and rosters stay current everywhere.
• Data requests: facilitating data exports and reports for district leadership and state requirements.

10. Computer-Based Testing

State and national assessments depend on the department's preparation.

• Assessment support: preparing devices and networks for NY State assessments, PSAT and SAT, and AP exams, and providing support during test administration.

11. Audio-Visual Services

The department supports events and instruction in shared spaces.

• Venue systems: managing sound and display systems in the auditorium and large group instruction spaces.
• Training and support: maintaining audio equipment and training staff in AV system use.

12. Business Systems & District Operations

A range of additional systems keep district operations moving.

• Phone system: provisioning lines, deploying and replacing phones, and troubleshooting VOIP and fax issues with providers.
• Printing: administering print management through Papercut and Mobility Print.
• Online forms: creating and maintaining forms for departments across the district through Formstack and Google Forms.
• Point of sale: supporting cafeteria and event payment systems.
• E-Rate: managing federal E-Rate funding, including yearly broadband bids, Category 1 and Category 2 purchases, larger projects using Category 2 funds, and the Cybersecurity Pilot.

In Summary

The Educational Technology Department's responsibilities extend well beyond computers. The team secures our buildings, protects our data, connects our students, supports our staff, and maintains the systems that families and the community depend on every day.

OUR TEAM

Director of IT, Communications & Security
Gary Lambert
518.324.2599

Network & System Technician
Rick Gangwer

Network & System Technician
Jeremy Frenyea

Computer Specialist
Alexandra Arvaniti

Computer Specialist
Ian Turner
 

OFFICE HOURS:

7:00 am - 3:00 pm