TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District is one of just 71 districts from across the state of Texas selected to participate in a cybersecurity pilot program through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Temple ISD has been selected to receive grant funds through the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.
Temple ISD will receive approximately $356,000 over the next three years through the program to help fund cybersecurity initiatives, services, and hardware throughout the district. The funds will help cover costs associated with network security, email security, incident response plans, firewalls, monitoring and detection services, and other items that will help protect sensitive data and secure the network and applications for students and staff. With an increased number of cybersecurity threats facing school districts, TISD’s chief technology officer sees these services as an extension of other physical safety measures in place across the district.
“As a district, we hold a lot of critical information for both students and staff, and I am obligated to protect that data” said Vance Willis, Chief Technology Officer for Temple ISD. “These tools and systems will help us to protect that data. It is also important to our stakeholders to protect our information and resources and that we use these dollars to put in the classroom to protect our students and staff. It is very rewarding to have the district accepted to participate in this program.”
Entities interested in participating in the program had to submit an extensive application detailing needs, plans, and information about the district or library. Participants in the program were selected based on a variety of criteria including district needs, demographic makeup of the district, discount rates, and cybersecurity experience. The FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will award $200 million dollars nationally to just over 700 school districts or libraries for cybersecurity tools and resources.
“TISD is always looking for additional revenue sources to support a first-class education. This is another example,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Schools for Temple ISD. “Safety is not just a matter of hardening facilities or physical protective measures, but also includes cyber environments and digital data. Responsibility for this level of information is not a duty we take lightly, and I am proud of Mr. Willis and our Technology Department for being awarded this competitive grant.”