At Lexington City Schools, we are committed to creating a learning culture where students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically in a world connected by technology. The Technology Department plays a vital role in this mission by supporting instructional excellence and ensuring equitable access to the digital tools, systems, and resources needed for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

We work in close partnership with our media coordinators, instructional teams, and school leaders to help build student-centered, technology-rich classrooms that reflect 21st-century learning. Through hands-on coaching, professional development, and timely technical support, we empower educators to integrate digital learning strategies that foster creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

In alignment with the LCS 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, our work contributes directly to:

• Instructional Excellence: Providing rigorous, personalized, and innovative digital learning experiences.

• Equitable and Transparent Operations: Supporting a sustainable technology infrastructure with regular refresh cycles and up-to-date systems.

• Whole Child Focus: Ensuring students have access to safe, supportive, and engaging digital environments that nurture their growth and well-being.

• Family and Community Partnerships: Expanding access to digital communication tools and platforms that strengthen home-to-school connections.

Our ultimate goal is to equip every student and educator with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to thrive in a digital world without boundaries. We believe that when technology is purposeful, inclusive, and accessible, every student is empowered to succeed.

Lexington City Schools (LCS) is mandated to safeguard student data in accordance with North Carolina's General Statute 115C, Article 29. Given the exponential increases in the use of online classroom tools coupled with the heightened cybersecurity threats, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is setting new standards starting January 1, 2024, aimed at preventing unauthorized student PII (Personal Identifiable Information) breaches.

Third-party entities seeking student PII from LCS must undergo a detailed vetting procedure. This procedure is extensive, demanding significant time and resources from the third-party company. The findings from this procedure will help assess the robustness of a third-party's IT infrastructure, which directly affects their capability to secure LCS student data. Both LCS and NC DPI's strict measures underscore the critical importance they place on student data protection.

The guidelines to follow are primarily rooted in the state's IT protocols as stipulated by the North Carolina Division of Information Technology (NC DIT), which in turn are based on the NIST 800-53 framework.

To comply, third-party companies should adhere to the detailed steps provided. After all documentation is submitted, LCS will evaluate and provide feedback. Once approved, the documents will be sent to DPI for a final decision.

It's important to note: Contracts signed before January 1, 2024, get a grace period of one year to meet these standards. Contracts signed from January 1, 2024, onwards must ensure full compliance before LCS can share student data.