In 2015, Torrance Unified School District (TUSD) embarked on an ambitious journey to modernize its campuses. This wasn’t just a facelift—it was a transformation of the district’s network infrastructure to meet the demands of modern education. Partnering with NIC Partners, TUSD has successfully navigated the challenges of scaling its technology, ensuring both security and efficiency for its 33 campuses. From outdated Wi-Fi systems to the installation of 1,600 surveillance cameras, NIC Partners continues to be the driving force behind the district’s digital transformation.
Challenges: The Need for Modernization
When TUSD first approached NIC Partners, they were grappling with aging technology. Their Wi-Fi relied on end-of-life controllers and their switches weren’t receiving security updates. The increasing number of connected devices—laptops, tablets, IoT devices—stressed the system beyond its capacity, creating inefficiencies and frequent network downtime. Gil Mara, Chief Educational Technology & Information Services Officer at TUSD, recalls, “It was quite a bit of work to maintain the old Wi-Fi system,” which required manual oversight to keep it functional.
Innovative Solutions: A Complete Overhaul
NIC Partners stepped in with a solution that not only solved current problems but also anticipated future needs. They upgraded TUSD’s infrastructure with Cisco Meraki switches and a cloud-based system that allowed for real-time updates. The entire network could now be managed through a single interface, allowing the IT team to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly. The new system provided faster speeds and improved reliability, ensuring that over 40,000 devices, including student Chromebooks and teacher iPads, were connected seamlessly.
Resilience in Action: Dealing with Emergencies
NIC Partners’ value went beyond the installation phase. Their ongoing support proved critical when a district-wide internet outage occurred due to a firewall failure. Despite the time-sensitive nature of the incident, NIC Partners’ quick response helped minimize disruption. Within 15 minutes, the team was troubleshooting, and the issue was resolved within 24 hours, demonstrating their commitment to keeping TUSD’s operations running smoothly.
The Impact of Trust and Partnership
What makes NIC Partners stand out isn’t just the technology, but the relationship they foster with clients. Gil Mara emphasizes that NIC Partners feels like an extension of his team, consistently delivering solutions tailored to the district’s needs and budget. “NIC Partners has been a trusted ally, ensuring that our tech infrastructure grows with us,” he says. Their continued support has enabled TUSD to roll out further innovations, from enhanced security systems to a new VoIP phone system.
Unlock Your School’s Potential
NIC Partners transformed Torrance Unified School District’s network infrastructure into a modern, reliable system that supports education in a connected world. Ready to upgrade your own school’s tech? NIC Partners offers a strategic partnership built on trust, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.