The Bureau of Information Technology (BITS) provides strategic leadership, technical expertise, and secure infrastructure to support the agency’s mission and operations. The Bureau ensures DPI staff, programs, and educational partners have access to reliable, innovative, and secure technology tools and services that advance teaching, learning, collaboration, and Department efficiency.
Key responsibilities include:
- Technology Infrastructure and Support
- Maintaining and supporting DPI’s core IT systems, including network services, cloud platforms, hardware, software, telecommunications, and agency-wide forms The Bureau ensures high availability, security, and performance of agency systems and provides tools for creating, managing, and integrating forms used in both internal operations and external services.
- Development of Custom Applications
- Designing, developing, and maintaining all custom applications that support DPI’s internal operations and external-facing services. This includes solutions used by educators, families, and agency staff to manage programs, streamline workflows, and meet statutory requirements.
- Establishes and maintains agency-wide standards for application development, including secure coding practices, accessibility, documentation, interoperability, and DevOps pipelines. Ensures consistency, scalability, and compliance across all DPI-developed and supported applications.
- Longitudinal Reporting and Dashboard Support
- Manages statewide longitudinal data reporting systems like WISEdash and Power BI. Focuses on data integration, analytics, and supporting decision-making with data-driven insights. These systems support data collection, integration, analysis, and reporting—empowering schools, agency leaders, and policymakers to make informed, data-driven decisions.
- Cybersecurity and Risk Management
- Implementing cybersecurity best practices, monitoring threats, and ensuring compliance with state and federal data privacy and security standards to protect DPI data and services.
- Leading or coordinating the agency’s technical response to cybersecurity incidents and data breaches, in alignment with state protocols. This includes investigation, containment, notification support, and implementing remediation measures to prevent recurrence.
- Technical Assistance and Help Desk Services
- Providing responsive support to DPI staff and education partners through a centralized help desk, ensuring timely resolution of IT issues and promoting effective use of technology.
- Strategic IT Planning and Innovation
- Leading agency-wide technology planning aligned with DPI’s strategic goals. This includes developing IT governance processes, evaluating emerging technologies, facilitating digital transformation, and supporting performance monitoring and continuous improvement across DPI programs.
- Project Management, and Coordination and Support of LEA Technology, Data, and Privacy Services
- Managing enterprise IT projects and coordinating services that assist local education agencies (LEAs) with technology planning, data integration, and student data privacy practices. BITS provides guidance, resources, and direct support to strengthen district-level capacity and compliance.
- Budget, Rate Setting, and IT Policy Development
- Leading the development of IT-related budgets, setting internal service rates, and shaping agency technology policy. The Bureau ensures DPI’s technology investments are strategic, transparent, and fiscally responsible, in alignment with state requirements.
- Enterprise Data Management and Standards
- Establishing and maintaining data governance policies, metadata standards, and interoperability frameworks to ensure consistent, accurate, and secure use of data across DPI programs and systems.
- IT Procurement and Vendor Management
- Coordinating with the agency procurement team to manage technology acquisitions and vendor contracts in accordance with state procurement policies. BITS ensures IT procurements meet technical and security standards and deliver value to the agency.
- Training and Support for External Partners
- Developing and delivering training, documentation, and guidance for local education agencies and other external partners in the use of WISE-related systems and services. This includes onboarding, ongoing capacity-building, and support aligned with DPI’s data and privacy practices.
- Collaboration and Support for Partners
- Working collaboratively with internal DPI bureaus, state agencies, public libraries, and school districts to align technology initiatives, improve access to broadband and digital tools, reduce duplication, and support integrated service delivery through programs like TEACH and E-rate.
- IT Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
- Developing, maintaining, and regularly testing IT disaster recovery and continuity protocols to ensure DPI systems remain available and secure during service interruptions, in coordination with the agency-wide COOP coordinator.
- Identity and Access Management
- Administering secure access to DPI systems through identity and access management services, including integration with Active Directory, Azure AD, single sign-on (SSO), and multifactor authentication (MFA). Ensures staff and partners have appropriate and timely access to systems and data while maintaining security and compliance.
- IT Asset and License Management
- Managing the lifecycle of IT assets and software licenses across the agency, including procurement tracking, inventory control, software compliance, and disposal processes. Supports cost-effective, transparent, and policy-compliant use of technology resources.
- Public Website and Intranet (FRED) Management
- Overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of DPI’s public websites and internal intranet (FRED). Provides governance, tools, and support to ensure content is user-centered, accessible, and aligned with agency communication, branding, and data practices.
- Ensuring DPI websites, applications, and digital communications meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, Section 508) so that all users—including those with disabilities—can fully access and interact with DPI services and content.
Sections
- Application and Digital Solutions Section
- Technical Services and Support Section
- Partner Support Section
- Data Warehouse and Decision Support Section