TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION SERVICES
FAMILIES EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR:
- Having a single, reliable portal to view grades, attendance, and messages.
- Positive experiences with knowledgeable staff, clear how‑to guidance, and follow‑up after issues are resolved. In‑person help, short videos, and mobile‑friendly instructions made technology easier for families to use.
- The use of AI when expectations are clear, age‑appropriate, and connected to learning goals.
PRIORITY TOPICS FOR FAMILIES:
Student Data Systems & Portals
- Timely, predictable grade posting
- Clear distinctions between missing vs. not yet graded work
- One consistent platform for grades, assignments, and messages
- Early alerts when student performance declines
Online Programs & Curriculum Platforms
- Fewer platforms and logins
- A consistent location for agendas, assignments, and study guides
- More teacher-led, engaging instruction instead of static slides
- Alignment between posted materials and grading timelines
Communication Systems (Email, Text, Phone)
- Fewer duplicate messages across channels
- Clearly labeling messages by student, course, and grade level
- Predictable communication cadence
Family Technology Support
- In-person help opportunities when systems change
- Multilingual and mobile-friendly support resources
AI Guidelines & Responsible Use
- Plain-language explanations of when AI is allowed
- Assurance that privacy and academic integrity are protected
Devices & Hardware
- Reliable devices for daily learning
Privacy, Security & Safety (Technology)
- Clear explanations of data collection and protection
- Transparent and timely communication during safety incidents
CURRENT INITIATIVES:
- Continuing to prioritize standardizing application access using our SSO dashboard – myPascoConnect – wherever possible to reduce unnecessary logins.
- Moving hardware repair of devices from being centralized to a distributed model which has decreased the average repair timeframe by nearly half. We are also working on solutions to streamline repair due to part availability constraints.
- Implementing a rapid replacement process for staff devices. This enables staff to get a replacement device while their device is repaired.
- Creating dashboards for key staff to check status of device repairs and associated timelines.
- Performing pre-flight checks of classrooms at the beginning of the school year to ensure technology readiness.
- Hosting tables for parent questions at a number of parent events and will continue to do so.
- Providing the following resources:
Future Plans:
- Investigate new funding ideas to increase device availability and longevity
- Continue to work with instructional departments and school leadership to reinforce clearer gradebook practices, including distinguishing missing work from not yet graded, and encouraging a more predictable posting cadence so families know when intervention is appropriate
- Bolster network connectivity in schools to keep pace with digital needs
TRANSPARENCY:
Technology device costs continue to increase due to supply chain constraints of device components. OTIS is working with vendors to keep costs down while making the best decisions for devices to ensure reliability and longevity.
COMMITMENT:
OTIS is committed to listening, learning, and improving. Family feedback directly informs our technology priorities, and we will continue working to make our systems clearer, more consistent, and more supportive of student learning.
