The Battle River School Division (BRSD) has recently shared some project highlights that its Technology and Facilities teams are completing to gear up for the 2024-25 school year.
With the transition from the last school year to the next, BRSD continues its work around the division and some teams are inundated with what is their busiest time of the year. The BRSD Technology team begins the work of transitioning staff workspaces as well as media and program updates.
Technology projects that are currently underway within the division include:
1. Network Redesign: Network segmentation to maximize cyber security
2. Interactive Flat Panel Installation: Replacement of aging teaching displays in 40 classrooms
3. Evergreening: Upgrading/replacement of computing devices (566 student Chromebooks, 94 teacher Chromeboxes, 36 staff Windows towers, 10 staff Windows laptops)
4. Chromebook Cart Fixes: 3D design/print of drawer supports to reinforce existing plastic drawer slats
5. Mobile Device Management (MDM): Upgrades and security checks on approximately 150 iPads (includes software backup and recreation)
6. VoIP Telephone System: Update software
7. Core Service Updates/Upgrades: Includes firewalls, wireless access points and controllers, network servers, switches and routers
8. Cleanup of Previous Building Location: Final removal of equipment and supplies
9. Complete Service Requests: Outstanding requests from previous year
“Although this past school year was exceptionally busy with the Division Office buildings move, we always prepare for a heavy summer project list,” says Ken Robitaille, Director of Technology.
“The efficiency of our team is crucial while wrapping up one school year and beginning the next, and summer months provide that window of opportunity for us to ensure a successful transition.”
The BRSD facilities crew is also tackling some major projects during July and August while schools are unoccupied. Some project highlights include:
1. New Norway School: Boiler replacement
2. École Sifton School: Parking lot repair
3. École Camrose Composite High School: Flooring replacement in four classrooms
4. École Camrose Composite High School: Science/CTS roof replacement
5. Killam Public School: Gym floor sand, reline and resurface
The Facilities Office has 70 projects planned for the summer with a budget of $1.37 million. In addition to the highlighted projects, five school gyms are being refinished and six video surveillance systems are being upgraded.
A security system upgrade was launched in 2019 and the last two schools, Bawlf and Bashaw, were completed this summer, finalizing the entire project.
Leslie Cholowsky
Staff Reporter
