The Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) recently recognized the RIC One Data Privacy and Security Services (DPSS) team for the professional contributions made throughout the past several years.
On Oct. 3, the RIC One DPSS team was awarded the Exemplary Service and Innovation For Technological Advancement Award by AESA, at the NYS Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) Leadership Summit in Saratoga Springs.
The annual award recognizes individuals or agencies for technological innovation and support to local districts and educational service agencies. Award recipients must show how the individual/agency’s work has positively contributed to education.
Over the last several years, the RIC One DPSS team has worked to address data privacy and security issues in New York state K-12 public schools. Major functions of the service include ensuring districts are compliant with Education Law 2-d standards, providing cost-effective resources, helping agencies comply with relevant data privacy laws and regulations, and providing tools to help mitigate cyber attacks.
“To put it simply, my job would be impossible without the support and assistance of RIC One DPSS,” said Louise DeCandia, Chief Privacy Officer at New York State Education Department.
By the end of the 2022-23 school year, 78% of the 731 K-12 public school districts in New York state received support from the RIC One Data Privacy and Security Service, which is the largest non-state-mandated service in the state.
“This is a perfect example of the RICs working together to support districts across the state, maximizing our collective effort and reducing duplication of effort,” said Dr. Mike Doughty, Assistant Superintendent for the Northeastern Regional Information Center (NERIC) at Capital Region BOCES and Chair of the statewide RIC Directors’ group.
Vernea Razanousky, Keith Schubert, Kate Singer and Monica Statile also represent NERIC on the RIC One DDPS team.
The RIC One DPSS team comprises the 12 Regional Information Centers (RICs) organized under the Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) in New York. RIC One’s goal is to strengthen the culture of collaboration, innovation, and risk-taking to benefit all school districts in New York state.
AESA is an organization that strengthens and supports educational agencies in 45 of 50 states. More information about AESA and the award is available online.