YORKTON — Trustees for the Good Spirit School Division heard about an updated technology integration plan during the Oct. 9 meeting.
Information-technology (IT) manager Jonas Prysliak presented the document, outlining how the IT department is supporting current and future educational goals. Key highlights include:
- Device access: All students in Grades 4-12 now have a 1:1 Chromebook ratio, he said, while kindergarten-Grade 3 students share iPads on a 2:1 basis. This is an increase from a 3:1 ratio of iPads from last year. Staff laptops are on a five-year renewal cycle, with recent upgrades completed. Future rollouts will focus on replacing aging devices.
- Infrastructure and security: Prysliak reported Bandwidth has been upgraded across schools, servers are being modernized, and security systems, such as Sentinel One, Arctic Wolf monitoring and Microsoft Defender have been implemented to protect the division’s digital environment. Cyber security training also continues, utilizing Vector Solutions to administer modules throughout the school year.
- Classroom impact: He told the board equitable device access supports personalized learning, digital citizenship, collaboration, and innovative teaching methods such as blended learning, coding, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) integration.
- Software and tools: LanSchool (classroom management software for staff), Mosyle (iPad management software for staff), Edsby enhancements (including online parent-teacher booking) and Google Workspace for Education Plus licences have been rolled out to support teaching, learning and family engagement.
- Ongoing maintenance: Repairs, device tracking and system monitoring are managed in-house. Prysliak said feedback from schools helps guide improvements.
- Budget and sustainability: Long-term planning includes device refresh cycles, cost-saving measures and external funding opportunities such as the Microsoft settlement rebate.
- Professional development: Teachers and staff continue to receive training in technology use and cybersecurity, ensuring tools are effectively integrated into classrooms.
Overall, Prysliak said this plan ensures that technology is reliable, secure and accessible across GSSD schools, giving students and staff the tools they need for success now and in the future.
