Read the complete Technology Plan

• Appendix A: BEX V Technology Project List
• Appendix B: Principles of Effective Digital Learning
• Appendix C: K-12 Educational Technology Learning Standards
• Appendix D: Mobile Devices by School (December 2018)

About the Technology Plan

The Department of Technology Services (DoTS) Technology Plan 2019-2023 is the five-year plan developed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the management in DoTS, and senior staff members at Seattle Public Schools with engagement from a wide group of stakeholders. This plan is an effort to document planning for Information Technology (IT) projects that are funded by Capital levy funds. This plan includes planning for the Buildings, Technology and Athletics IV capital levy (BTA IV), which passed in February 2016, as well as the Building Excellence (BEX V) capital levy that goes to voters in February 2019. All the planning has been completed using both the Racial Equity and Community Engagement toolkits with stakeholder engagement including teachers, principals, students, parents, community members, the business community, elected officials, and board members, as well as central office staff.

Operations and projects are listed under three principle programs that make up the purview of the Department of Technology Services: Student Learning & Support, District Systems & Data, and Infrastructure & Security. Student Learning & Support includes hardware, software, and supports that directly enable teachers and students. District Systems & Data includes the finance and student data systems and operational software along with the data and business intelligence capabilities to support business, operations, and instruction. Infrastructure & Security includes core technology to access the internet and applications with controls addressing security, privacy, and compliance. All projects are listed in the context of the district vision, goals, and the five-year strategic plan.

Projects are listed with timelines for BTA IV, which will run from present through the 2019-20 school year, and timelines for BEX V, which will run from 2020-21 through the 2022-23 school years. Each levy funds a three-year technology budget, although some projects may extend up to six years.

Major work has been progressing on BTA IV projects, many of which kicked off in Fall 2016 after the passing of the levy the previous February. With still two years left on work for projects and operations funded by the BTA IV levy, the plan is being documented here. Although no changes from the commitments for that levy have been altered, this plan documents the work to be completed. Projects still in process for BTA IV have a completion time from the present to August 2020 and are designated as such.

The real work in planning has been for BEX V, which will go into effect in September 2020. Similar to the BTA IV planning, BEX V work is listed in the plan as running from September 2020 through August 2023.

About 85% of DoTS funding comes from the capital levy funds. Almost 120 staff members support technology for over 8,000 staff members, 54,000 students, and 105 buildings. In addition to operations, staff work on key projects which include upgraded and specific technologies students and teachers need to meet their learning and teaching goals, new district systems, especially the 16-year business systems, and upgraded infrastructure to provide adequate bandwidth and application delivery where every staff member and student needs it.

Senior staff, with guidance from the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC), the board, and community and staff input, worked in board work sessions for BEX V to review technology projects along with other capital needs. Extensive engagement informed the planning which focused on equity and the needs of each and every student.

This plan is published for the public and will serve as a guide for district staff. All projects are listed in the context of the district’s mission, vision, and the five-year strategic plan. All purchases go to the Superintendent and School Board for approval on a project-by-project basis.

Seattle Public Schools has been conducting engagement outreach with the community to gather feedback and suggestions related to the Building Excellence Capital Levy and five-year Technology Plan.

Through work sessions with the Seattle School Board, language-based community focus groups and the Facilities Master Plan Task Force, capital construction and technology infrastructure modernization projects have been identified, analyzed and prioritized.

To view the engagement targeted to technology improvements please see below.

View the BEX V Project List and Map

Technology Engagement Timeline

Internal:

External: