Technology's speeding ahead and Portage la Prairie School Division's keeping pace.

Hazen BarrettTwo capital reserves of $500,000 each were established for the upgrade of video surveillance system to closed circuit TV's, and information technology equipment throughout Portage schools. Superintendent Hazen Barrett says there was also a first.

"In terms of security cameras, and technology in the division, this is the first year of our renewal program with the closed circuit TV program within the division. So, the board decided to establish a capital reserve to facilitate that renewal. And the same with technology."

He says it's just the way things are.

"That's not an unusual practice. We've done this before. And actually it happens quite regularly. It's just a way of trying to keep ahead of things that are happening in the world, and trying to not let ourselves go stagnant."

Barrett says the timing for changes is determined by their technology consultant Cheryl Robinson, who generally follows a four to five year renewal plan. He explains they leave it up to her as to what the current trends are and what they need to do to keep up for the moment. "It's not wise to go any more, really, than every four to five years and do renewals. In terms of the closed circuit TV program, this'll be the first year out of an eight year program. And that's not bad for that type of a system."

He adds, "One of he tenders that was approved this evening was the approval of the renewal of cameras at Portage Collegiate Institute. When we went through restructuring back in the mid 2000's we installed cameras there. It's now time to replace them. We tendered out for cameras that are adaptable to cold temperatures in the winter with night vision technology and high definition resolution. That project will be occurring in the near future. So, that's one stage. We also have a stage where we're starting to look at plans around Bring Your Own Device at schools. It's definitely what is occurring in schools clear across the country. We like to stay ahead of the curve with things like that. And our technology consultants are developing some plans around that and being able to support students within the schools; not only those that want to bring their own device, but those that can't afford to do so as well."