Media Release: BRSD Summer Projects for Technology and Facilities Teams

BRSD Summer Projects for Technology and Facilities Teams

With the transition from the last school year to the next, Battle River School Division (BRSD) continues its work around the division and some teams are inundated with what is their busiest time of the year. BRSD Technology team begins the work of transitioning staff workspaces as well as media and program updates.

Technology projects that are currently underway:

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. Listed are some project highlights.

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 seventy 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. Finally, a comprehensive mechanical system maintenance program was kicked off this summer. This preventative maintenance program looks at all school mechanical systems to ensure they are ready for the upcoming heating season.

BRSD is excited for a successful 2024-25 school year and hopes that families, students and staff will enjoy upgraded systems and spaces. While staff are preparing during summer months, BRSD hopes for a restful and enjoyable summer for all.

BRSD Division Office summer hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed 12 to 1 p.m.); Closed: Mon., Aug. 5
Regular office hours resume on Monday, August 12, 2024.