|
|
Greetings -
Spring always brings a sense of momentum as we head towards summer — and across CTA, that momentum is real.
From AI to infrastructure to security, our teams are making meaningful progress to better support districts, educators, and students across the region. I wanted to take a moment to highlight just a few of those efforts.
The third annual AIEmpoweredEdu Conference returns this May at the University of Portland, in partnership with Clackamas, Multnomah, and Northwest Regional ESDs.
We’re looking forward to another sold-out conference and critical conversations led by state and national voices on the role of AI in K–12 education.
Our security team continues to prioritize proactive protection. Over the coming year, they will roll out automated network scanning tools to help identify and address vulnerabilities before they become incidents. They’ve also supported the deployment of CISA’s SCuBA tools and are partnering with CrowdStrike to deliver our first regional cybersecurity training this spring.
On the infrastructure side, our network team is preparing to activate five new fiber rings beginning July 1, 2026. These upgrades will deliver 10 Gbps connectivity and significantly improve reliability, especially for coastal and rural districts that have historically experienced storm-related outages.
Meanwhile, our application development team is advancing several major initiatives, including:
- Danza, a new MTSS platform built by educators for educators
- A complete rewrite of the popular ORMED Medicaid billing system
- A new CRM designed specifically for Oregon’s Education Service Districts
And these are just a few examples of the amazing work happening across CTA!
Even in the face of ongoing challenges in K12, what stands out most is the strength of our partnerships with you. The collaboration we see every day across districts and teams is what makes this progress possible in support of schools across the state.
|
|
 |
|
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Stuart Long
Chief Information Officer
|
|
|
Danza, the new Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) platform, helps educators quickly identify students in need of support, organize targeted interventions, and monitor progress in real time.
Danza transforms complex data into clear, user-friendly insights. These tools strengthen team collaboration and help schools focus on what’s working to support student success.
|
The Homeschool Notification application team released the following enhancements in response to feedback from ESD homeschool coordinators.
Student–Guardian Transfer: Easily move a student to a new guardian when family circumstances change.
Advanced Filters and Sorting: Quickly locate records using expanded filtering and sorting options.
Bulk Email: Send homeschool letters to multiple guardians across multiple students in a single action.
Monthly Enrollment Count: Access aggregate monthly data to support reporting and media inquiries.
These updates are designed to improve efficiency, communication, and reporting capabilities.
|
The Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) software has been updated with new features designed to improve usability, accuracy, and financial transparency.
Smarter MAC Surveys: Staff will notice automated accuracy, clearer language, and an improved layout on MAC survey days.
Enhanced Financial Transparency: ESDs and districts can now view a detailed breakdown within the claims screen, providing a clearer picture of reimbursement totals at a glance. New views include:
Match Payment & Indirect Cost (IGC): A clear display of local match requirements and indirect cost calculations.
Net Totals: A dedicated view showing the total claim minus match and IGC, so districts can quickly see their net reimbursement.
These improvements help streamline survey participation and provide greater clarity into how claims are calculated and reimbursed.
|
Districts can now bill Medicaid for a broader range of services beyond the traditional IDEA scope, reflecting recent updates to Oregon’s School-Based Health Services program. These expanded opportunities include:
Non-IDEA and Unplanned Services: Billing for services provided under 504 plans and other plans of care.
Specialized Care: New pathways to bill for mental and behavioral health services, increasing access to support for students.
Personal Care Services: Expanded reimbursement options for assistance with students’ daily living needs.
These changes allow districts to capture funding for services previously unreimbursable, helping sustain and expand student health supports.'
To support these new requirements and modernize the billing experience, we are performing a complete rewrite of the ORMED application targeted for Fall 2026.
|
|
|
|
ClickFix is a growing cybersecurity threat. It tricks users into running harmful commands on their own devices. Attackers use emails, pop-ups, or websites to create urgency, asking users to copy/paste commands or “fix” issues.
What to watch for:
- Requests to copy and paste commands from a message or website
- Unexpected pop-ups claiming a device needs a “fix”
- Emails, links, or messages that create urgency or confusion
- Messages that feel unusual, unclear, or out of context
Data Privacy Tips
- Use a password manager to avoid reusing passwords across accounts
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Two-Step Verification (2SV)
- Keep operating systems and software updated
- Check app privacy settings and be mindful of the data permissions apps request
Phishing Tips
- Be cautious with all emails, even if they appear to come from someone you know
- If unsure, verify directly with the sender before taking action
- Avoid opening unexpected attachments or clicking suspicious links
- Ask yourself: Does this message make sense?
- Use the “Report Phishing” feature in Gmail to report suspicious messages
Strengthen Your District’s Google Security with Scuba Goggles
Our security team is supporting districts in implementing Scuba Goggles, a tool that provides a high-level view of your district’s Google Workspace security posture. The platform offers guidance aligned with recommendations from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), helping districts identify risks and prioritize improvements.
With Scub Googles, districts receive:
- A clear overview of current Google Workspace security settings
- Actionable recommendations to strengthen protections
- Guided setup and training from CTA staff
Schedule a Scuba Goggles walkthrough to get started, or email security@cascadetech.org
|
|
The 2026 AI Empowered EDU Conference, hosted in partnership with Clackamas , Multnomah , and Northwest Regional ESDs, and the University of Portland, is on Tuesday, May 12.
This year’s conference theme, Amplifying Human Intelligence & Student Voice, reflects a commitment to thoughtful and student-centered integration of artificial intelligence in education.
Registration $75 for regional district staff | $150 for all other participants
|
On Tuesday, April 14th, CTA joins the Identity Defined Security Alliance and the National Cybersecurity Alliance to raise awareness about digital identity protection.
The 2026 theme, “Finding Identity: The Search for You, Me, and the Machines,” highlights the evolving role of digital identity in a world where people, systems, and AI-powered technologies increasingly interact.
Resources for Digital Safety and Identity Protection
|
 |
|
David Cramblett, Technology Services Assistant Director at Multnomah ESD, joined Superintendent Dr. Coakley on the Leaders Build Leaders podcast to discuss: equity-centered technology support, ensuring access for all students, and the importance of data privacy and security
Tune in to hear insights on how technology can support all students while keeping their information safe. |
Girls and female-identifying youth in grades 3–5 are invited to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through STEM Like a Girl hands-on learning events this spring.
Sign up to Volunteer
Upcoming events:
|
|
|
Network Expansion
CTA is enhancing connectivity for schools in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties, creating a regional K–12 network. Coastal ring projects and new interconnections are on track to go live July 1, 2026, linking schools from Astoria to Tillamook.
In partnership with Sherwood Broadband, we’re connecting Sherwood and Hillsboro school district fiber rings, boosting resilience and paving the way for future links to Beaverton and Tigard-Tualatin school districts.
|
|
The virtualization platform is moving from VMware to Proxmox VE. This change reduces long-term licensing costs and increases flexibility, transparency, and control.
Engineers have completed Proxmox training, and a U.S.-based support partner has been secured to provide assistance.
Districts reviewing their virtualization strategy are welcome to collaborate or request technical guidance. |
|
The migration of School ERP Pro (SERPP) from the self-hosted version to Tyler Technologies’ cloud platform is underway. This move improves reliability, security, and accessibility, while providing new features and the full product roadmap.
Northwest Regional ESD will migrate first, followed by other districts in readiness-based cohorts throughout the 2026–27 school year. Staff will receive guidance and support during the transition. |
|
|
|
|
