What Every School Should Include in Their Back-to-School Tech Checklist
As the new school year approaches, most educators are thinking about classroom supplies, updated lesson plans, and welcome-back assemblies. But there’s one more thing schools need to prepare before students return: your technology environment.
In 2025, with more digital tools in use than ever before, IT readiness is just as important as academic readiness. From edtech platforms to cybersecurity, your tech infrastructure plays a direct role in how smoothly—and safely—your school runs.
Whether you’re in K–12 or higher ed, here’s what your Back-to-School Tech Checklist should cover this year.
Read also: Is Your School FERPA and GDPR Compliant? What You Need to Know
1. Refresh and Recheck Student & Staff Devices
Before day one, make sure all laptops, tablets, and classroom devices are:
- Fully charged and functional
- Updated with the latest operating system and security patches
- Enrolled in your MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution
- Connected to essential apps (learning platforms, email, etc.)
- Cleared of old data and users from the prior school year
Don’t forget staff devices, too! Teachers need just as much support getting up and running smoothly.
Read also: Is Your IT Stuck in the Past? Here’s How to Catch Up
2. Lock Down Security Before the Bell Rings
Schools are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. In fact, education is one of the most breached sectors globally. To protect your data, reputation, and compliance standing, be sure to:
- Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all staff and admin accounts
- Update and test your firewall, antivirus, and endpoint protection tools
- Restrict permissions with role-based access controls
- Review admin accounts and remove access for departed staff
- Train staff and teachers on how to spot phishing emails
Consider running a penetration test or audit to check for vulnerabilities before students are back online (here at pacific IT support we can help you with that 😉).
Read also: IT in Education: Building a Secure and Efficient Learning Environment
3. Ensure EdTech Tools Are Ready and Compliant
Digital learning platforms are critical—but they’re only helpful if they’re reliable, secure, and configured properly.
Make sure your:
- LMS (like Google Classroom, Canvas, or Schoology) is set up for new rosters
- Single Sign-On (SSO) integrations are working
- Apps are updated, licensed, and assigned to the right classrooms
- Parent communication tools are tested and ready for use
Bonus tip: Verify that all third-party apps are FERPA- and COPPA-compliant to avoid legal risk.
4. Protect Student Data at Every Level
Student data is incredibly sensitive—and often vulnerable.
This year, don’t overlook:
- Data encryption on all devices storing student info
- Review of data retention and deletion policies
- Clear boundaries around third-party data access
- Secure cloud backups of gradebooks, IEPs, attendance, and email
Educators and administrators should know the basics of FERPA and GDPR compliance, especially if your school uses international platforms.
Read also: Zero Trust Security Explained: Is Your Business Ready for It?
5. Prep for Day-One Troubleshooting
Even with the best planning, tech hiccups happen. Have a plan in place for:
- Password resets and login issues
- Network traffic surges on the first day
- Classroom tech troubleshooting
- Backup devices for students or teachers with device failure
Consider offering “tech orientation” for new staff or students, including how-to guides and quick-start checklists.
At Pacific IT Support, we’ve been helping schools build safe, stable, and student-friendly tech environments for 16 years.
Our education-focused services include:
- Cybersecurity & compliance support
- Edtech onboarding and integrations
- Network and Wi-Fi upgrades
- Device lifecycle management
- Helpdesk support for students and staff
Whether you’re a small charter school or a growing district, we help you start the year with confidence—and stay supported all year long.
Ready to Build Your Back-to-School Tech Plan?
Let’s do a quick audit of your current setup and give you a plan that ensures:
- A strong start to the school year
- A secure, compliant environment
- Support when you need it most
📩 Contact us today to schedule your education tech check-in.