Rockford Public Schools Data Center Modernization Case Study

This case study details the modernization of the data center infrastructure at Rockford Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in Illinois. The document outlines the challenges faced by the district, including outdated infrastructure, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, lack of standardization, and capacity limitations. It describes how the IT team, led by CIO Jason Barthel, developed a strategy to address these issues by partnering with Panduit and Graybar. The modernization aims to enhance educational delivery through improved technology and infrastructure. Key objectives include designing a modernized infrastructure that meets Tier 3 or 4 standards, augmenting cybersecurity measures in response to a past ransomware attack, and standardizing IT policies across the district. The case study also discusses the implementation of energy-efficient solutions and the exploration of cost-saving opportunities through potential colocation partnerships. Overall, the modernization effort is positioned as a proactive step towards supporting digital transformation and preparing for future educational technology needs.