Manatee County School District Allocates $66.7 Million for IT Upgrades in Five-Year Plan

The Manatee County School District has unveiled an ambitious five-year technology plan, committing $66.7 million to modernize and enhance its digital infrastructure. The 2024-2029 plan outlines various projects to support curriculum delivery and improve technological resources for students and staff.

One of the plan's key components is upgrading critical infrastructure, including replacing operating systems, switches, routers, and desktop computers. These improvements aim to provide a secure and efficient technological environment for the district's schools.

The district also remains focused on ensuring student device accessibility, with continued efforts to equip each student with a personal device, such as a Chromebook. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to foster digital equity and enhance learning opportunities.

Additional priorities include modernizing communication systems to improve connectivity across schools and the development of advanced data management tools. The new business intelligence dashboards will streamline secure student data reporting, enabling administrators to make informed, data-driven decisions that positively impact student outcomes.

The plan also emphasizes professional development for staff, providing them with the skills and knowledge to effectively integrate new technologies into their teaching practices. By aligning these upgrades with instructional goals, the district aims to create a cutting-edge educational environment that meets the evolving needs of its community.

The five-year technology strategy reflects the district's commitment to leveraging innovation to improve education, ensuring students and staff are equipped for success in an increasingly digital world.