Bridgeport Exempted Village School District Systems Administrator Elliott Dean works with teachers on technology training and cybersecurity as the district prepares for the new school year. AP Photo

BRIDGEPORT — Teachers in the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District will start the school year with new technological tools and enhanced security to protect their students.

They got training in these updates Friday, ahead of the first day of school this Wednesday.

Summer was a busy time for Technology Director Lisa Clark and Systems Administrator Elliott Dean. Along with updating and replacing computers, they kept up with changes in legislation and ensured the district was in compliance with CyberOhio House Bill 96 and Senate Bill 29. They were ready to communicate these updates to staff.

Clark said Senate Bill 29 calls for more awareness of student privacy, and Bridgeport has always prioritized data security. She said the district’s vendors sign off on data privacy agreements. The vendors comply with a strict security policy such as refraining from selling student data or using it for commercial purposes. They must also destroy all student data.

“We’re just making the subject at the forefront of everything that we do. Student data privacy is so important,” Clark said. “This is just another layer of security, and for them to be more aware that we need to be diligent when we’re using these products so that we safeguard that data.”

Dean commended the new legislation, adding HB 29 was inspiring more districts across the state and the vendors they use to think about protecting data privacy.

“This training time was a great opportunity to meet with our teachers and give them updates on things that have changed, along with reminders regarding security,” he said.

CyberOhio HB 96 requires government entities to develop a cybersecurity plan, training and to identify risks and take precautions.

Clark and Dean encouraged more of a security mindset among educators when using technology.

Clark elaborated on the safeguards.

“The biggest thing is making sure we are abiding by a cybersecurity framework.”

Measures include stronger requirements for passwords. However, while policies and procedures are valuable, Clark said the most important safeguard is the teacher’s own observation.

“We’re seeing often school districts that are getting targeted, and we want to try to eliminate those targets,” she said, reminding teachers to keep that frame of reference.

“This is just another way for us to provide more security training for our staff. We’re consistently training, teaching them.”

The teachers were reminded to watch out for unsolicited or suspect emails and other potential vulnerabilities, and to immediately report anything suspicious.

Dean said they must be on their guard even during this busy time of year.

“You guys are our first line of defense.”

Clark agreed.

“It takes one click to compromise the entire district.”

In addition, they reviewed classroom management tools for making certain students use their iPads solely for lessons and are only able to visit assigned web sites. Clark said younger elementary students may need to be reminded their iPad is an educational device, not a toy.

The Bulldogs pride themselves on preparedness, and incoming students will have the tools in hand to start the school year off right.

Superintendent Brent Ripley praised the preparations.

“Mrs. Clark and Mr. Dean have put in a tremendous amount of time making sure that we are in full compliance with the new law. They also provide refresher trainings throughout the year so our faculty and staff are updated with changes while reminded of best practices as educators. We are incredibly blessed to have them both leading the way.”