No one could prepare for the impact of a pandemic, not even our school systems. Many school districts do not have the infrastructure to provide the flexibility, resilience, and equity needed to withstand such an event. Students face social-emotional challenges, learning to live without human interaction, dealing with more at-home problems, and lack of resources when learning. In contrast, employees lack the resources and motivation to continue along their career paths.

In a world where unpredictability has become a norm, it’s imperative to have options available for every individual to complete different tasks. Cloud technology can address many pain points felt by school systems by providing a more efficient way of operating while saving both money and time.

The rise of computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones is only a few of the many reasons schools should consider utilizing cloud technology in their operational plans. Several learning management systems already adopted into many districts can integrate seamlessly into other solutions to create a more balanced, collaborative atmosphere for students and employees. It would be advantageous for schools to incorporate cloud technology from the administrative and departmental levels down. Still, unfortunately, many school systems are hesitant to take the step because of funding allocation.

The number one goal for school districts is to educate their students and help mold future adult citizens of our country – which, if you ask anyone, is quite a hefty responsibility to take on. It’s understandable why many schools consider opting to use its funding for other things such as books, building repairs, and providing equal access for students of all ages, races, ethnicities, and economic statuses. Honestly, it may seem like a lot to ask a district to consider the switch. Still, the reality is, education is evolving, just like every other industry, and its evolution stems from new technology and inevitable life changes. We have to encourage our schools to do a better job at ramping up their pace. It will help remove workflow bottlenecks that have been in the systems for decades and aid our educators to provide a more quality education for our students, which is the ultimate goal for everyone, even those not employed in our school districts.

The time to switch to cloud-technology solutions is now.

There is approximately $123 billion reserved for K-12 school systems to use from the CARES ACT, which schools can utilize to help establish remote, or hybrid learning, new devices for student use, and rebuild antiquated operational infrastructures. Schools need flexibility, accessibility, resilient systems, and appropriate technology for current times.

We need our schools to not only survive the pandemic but to prepare and have all of the resources necessary to withstand any other unforeseen circumstances – and the funding allows you to do that.

If you are a school administrator, employee, or student – look into ways to advocate for your district to look into true-cloud solutions. Trust me when I say it can help school districts in various aspects and provide a profound, positive impact for all school employees and administratives at large.