Spotlight on Computer Networking

As the importance and robustness of computer networks continue to grow within K-12 environments, controlling access and security becomes more and more important. Students need constant access to information, and reliable connectivity—but need it without sacrificing safety, security or privacy. Erik Greenwood has served for more than 13 years in his present role as chief technology officer for Anaheim Union School District in Anaheim, Calif., and knows about this balance quite well. He manages the district’s 27,000 end-user devices used by 30,600 secondary students and more than 2,800 employees in the school district’s five-city boundaries.

Q. What are some of the most daunting challenges facing K-12 Schools when it comes to networks?

A. Two challenges come to mind. The ubiquity of connectivity requires more systems to interface, more external threats, and more customers to service. We have come a long way from a limited number of mainframe users to providing access for all staff and students inside and outside the network. We also provide access for parents, strategic partners, service providers, and guests. More users, more points of entries, and more potential threats require an ever-increasing due diligence. The other challenge is budget.

Q. For schools planning a new network, or an upgrade, what are some important things that need to be considered?

A. Networks are no longer an IT-only venture. School districts’ IT and Maintenance departments need to be in sync with their respective visions. There must be collaboration with Education regarding curriculum technology in the planning phase. What devices are being used? Are IoT or BYOD in play? What whitelisting needs to occur to make curriculum and programs work correctly? Planning requires getting feedback from all aspects of school operations. It is so much more than space, equipment, pathways, and capacity.

Q. What are some ways to ensure a school network stays secure?

A. While having good network hygiene is important, the most important aspect of a secure network is informed users. Do not get me wrong, strong network practices and equipment are important. However, it is wise users who delete the phishing emails, do not fall prey to social engineering and inform IT when they see something suspicious that add value in keeping the network ecosystem secure.

Q. Are there any new tools that make K-12 IT administrators jobs easier in regards to networks?

A. Great question. I asked my network and project manager, Hector Saldivar. Hector, a network veteran, shared that we use a plethora of network tools for monitoring, IPS, and DLP in addition to SIEM and IPAM.

Featured

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

  • i-PRO, NovoTrax Partner for New School Emergency Response Solution

    i-PRO Americas, Inc., which manufactures edge computing cameras, recently announced a partnership with NovoTrax, provider of end-to-end life safety and mass notification solutions, to address gaps in emergency response workflows at K–12 schools, according to a news release.

  • AP Construction Breaks Ground on Two Projects for Austin ISD

    Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) recently announced that it has broken ground on two renovation projects for the Austin Independent School District, according to a news release. The work at McCallum and Anderson High Schools totals 97,350 square feet and is scheduled for completion in January 2027.

  • cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

    Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

    Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

Digital Edition