MassIT Support for School Districts
March 31, 2016
Mike Hamel
Director, Office of Municipal & School Technology
The Massachusetts Office of Information Technology, known as MassIT, is the state’s lead agency for technology and innovation.
MassIT’s mission is to drive the digital business of state government to meet
the continually evolving needs of constituents, schools, businesses, and local government.
How can MassIT help?
The Office of Municipal and School Technology is focused on
providing value for our school districts, cities and towns.
•Facilitating collaboration
•Supporting efforts to implement best practices
•Providing services
1
Community Compact Cabinet
• Governor Baker’s first executive order created the Community Compact
Cabinet to increase partnership between state and local government.
• More than 225 communities have signed up for the program in the first year
and well over 150 have been signed by Lieutenant Governor Polito.
• There are more than 30 best practices to pick from, including education and
information technology options.
• Year 2 begins in July and will include new and updated best practices, as well
as opportunities for current compact communities to apply for additional
best practices
• If you’re interested in the program, reach out to your Mayor’s Office or
Select Board to discuss the opportunity.
http://www.mass.gov/ccc
2
Community Compact Participation
3
Digital Connections Partnership School Grant
• A competitive matching grant program to improve school infrastructure and
support next generation teaching, learning and assessment.
• A true partnership with school districts and across state agencies.
• 47 schools across 14 districts received support for wiring and WiFi
throughout their schools in the first year.
• Another 28 schools across 9 districts are about to start implementing.
• Incentives to purchase the devices your students and teachers need to
leverage the infrastructure.
• MassIT submits the E-Rate Category 2 application on behalf of districts
awarded grant funds.
http://www.doe.mass.edu/grants/2015/DCPSG/
4
Learn More about DCPSG
We anticipate opening applications for a new round of the grant program later this
year and hope to fund more schools then we did round 1.
Digital Connections Partnership Schools Grant Program:
http://www.doe.mass.edu/grants/2015/DCPSG/
Videos about MassIT Initiatives, including DCPSG:
https://www.youtube.com/user/MassInnov8/
5
Device Bundles
• Single price per student/seat
• The services and accessories you’re looking for
• Simplified procurement
• The platforms that work for your districts
– Apple
– Chrome / Android
– Windows
• Anticipated availability in Fall of 2016.
6
Thank you!
Please feel free to reach out anytime!
Mike Hamel
Director, Office of Municipal & School Technology
OMST@mass.gov
http://www.mass.gov/massit/omst
7