District News

WACO, TX (February 17, 2025)--Waco ISD is one of only 71 districts in Texas selected to pilot a new cybersecurity program through a grant award from the Federal Communications Commission. On Friday, the FCC Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program awarded Waco ISD a $607,430 grant to be used over the next three years to protect the district’s data.

The funding is provided through the Universal Service Fund to help defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment for the district, said Waco ISD Chief Technology Officer Jerry Allen.

“The primary objective of this three-year pilot program is to address the growing cybersecurity threats faced by schools and libraries. Malicious actors often target school districts, attempting to steal personal information, compromise online accounts, cause online harm or embarrassment, or disrupt critical networks that provide broadband connectivity,” Allen said. 

U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development Assistant Secretary Roberto Rodriguez said public schools across the country experience an average of five cybersecurity incidents every week. School districts with 1,000 or more students, such as Waco ISD which has approximately 14,000 students, are required to report disruptive cyber incidents to the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency under the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022.   

Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer said modern school safety extends beyond physical measures like fences and buildings. 

“Cybersecurity has become equally critical in protecting sensitive information about students and staff. This includes safeguarding systems from data breaches, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, and training staff on digital safety practices,” Spicer said. 

Allen successfully captured more than $2 million in grant funding to secure Waco ISD’s physical structures installing fencing, door locks, windows with entry-resistant film, and other physical safety features including panic alert buttons. 

 Allen said Waco ISD is excited about enhancing the district’s cybersecurity framework through cost-sharing with USAC.  

“In a time of budgeting crisis for many school districts, this collaboration will significantly contribute to providing a secure and safe technology environment for our students and faculty,” Allen said. “We appreciate the diligence and hard work of Brian Charles, Cybersecurity Coordinator for Waco ISD, and Luther Ward, Director of Network Services for Waco ISD, for their exceptional efforts in developing a comprehensive plan of action and collaborating with our ERATE consultants, Kellog and Sovereign, to secure this competitive grant opportunity.” 

The Federal Communications Commission’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will award $200 million nationally to school districts for cybersecurity tools and resources.