Report highlights IT improvements
CHENEY – The School District’s instructional technology team showcased significant improvements during the Jan. 8 board meeting, highlighting advances in classroom tools, IT systems, and support services. Led by Technology Director Ryan Spencer, the presentation detailed the department’s growth and achievements over the past year.
He explained that the IT department has worked hard to modernize and streamline IT services for staff and students. He introduced team members, including Assistant Tech Director Jonathan Skags, office manager Amanda Godsil, and IT specialists who handle on-site support across schools.
“I’ve been working with the district for two years, and in that time, the team has grown,” said Spencer. When he started, Neil Kerr, one of the IT Support Specialists, and Christine Buob, the SIS Specialist, were the only other people in the department.
Spencer shared data showing the team’s efforts, including handling nearly 10,000 support tickets annually.
“We’re focused on improving response times and making sure requests are acknowledged promptly,” he said. A new ticketing system implemented last fall reduced the average time to close a request to 9.8 days.
The team’s projects also include replacing aging technology in classrooms.
Spencer explained that outdated projectors, some over a decade old, forced teachers to turn off lights and cover the windows to improve visibility. New smart boards have now been installed, doubling as whiteboards and offering better image quality.
“These upgrades make a huge difference in how teachers present lessons,” said Skaggs, who also oversaw replacing malfunctioning TVs at Cheney Middle and Westwood Middle Schools. “We installed 75-inch screens over Thanksgiving break,” he said, in order to replace the older, smaller televisions at the schools, half of which were no longer working.
Another key project involved reorganizing IT network closets to improve efficiency. Spencer described the effort as a “pet project” stemming from his background in networking. “Simplifying these systems makes it easier to implement changes and troubleshoot,” he explained.
Board Director Bill Hanson praised the team’s efforts but asked if students were being taught how to handle cybersecurity threats. Spencer assured the board that cybersecurity education is an ongoing priority.
“We’re working to educate students and staff on recognizing and avoiding spam,” Spencer said.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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