Effectively and Affordably Connecting and Cybersecuring
Wisconsin’s Rural Schools

Learning Presentation
Presentation Date:
Presentation Time:
Location:

Handouts

Audience:


DESCRIPTION:

‍ ‍Truth: Rural schools are working with very limited technology budgets. Myth: Rural schools can’t afford robust connectivity and cybersecurity technology because of those tight budget constraints. In this session, you’ll learn ways to stretch thin resources while still implementing measures that are of the utmost importance in keeping your staff and students connected and your school’s network secure. You’ll leave with information about WiscNet’s E-Rate Category 1-eligible services, connectivity solutions, affordable cybersecurity options, and the WiscNet Membership’s collective purchasing power.

This session – presented by a rural Wisconsin school principal and two WiscNet staff members – will also cover the ways in which being a member of the WiscNet community saves you time and money. (For example: Did you know that if you’re a WiscNet member, you automatically have a virtual Chief Information Security Officer available for weekly, personalized support?) Attend this session to learn how to stretch your technology budget by taking advantage of these opportunities that don’t break the bank.

PRESENTER: Heidi Genthner, Member Success and Cybersecurity Services Coordinator – WiscNet

Heidi Genthner brings a fluid, artful mastery to all things WiscNet. A true wellspring of knowledge, she seamlessly connects ideas, formulates a plan, and adds a roadmap to bring great ideas to our membership. Genthner serves as the team’s living knowledge bank after 21-plus years of experience – an indispensable guide who helps everything come together with ease and color.

PRESENTER: Aivars Margevics, Member Fulfillment Specialist – WiscNet

Aivars Margevics is a Member Fulfillment Specialist – one of two – at WiscNet who leads discussions with new and existing members about the benefits of membership and the many services available to them, ranging from network access to co-managed firewalls. Regular conversations with WiscNet members help him keep his finger on the pulse of the membership. Margevics, who has been with WiscNet for four years, also assists with Teach & Learn online educational sessions that cover a wide variety of member-oriented topics.

PRESENTER: Vince Czahor, 4K-12 Principal – Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine School District

Vince Czahor brings more than 20 years of experience in public education to his role as 4K- 12 Principal at Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine School District in Pembine, Wisconsin. Previously, he spent more than a decade teaching at Wisconsin Virtual School. Czahor earned a Bachelor's Degree in History and Secondary Education at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, a Master's Degree in History from UW–Eau Claire, and a Master's Degree in Educational Technology, School Libraries, and Information from UW–Whitewater. He also holds a license in Educational Leadership for both Principal and District Administrator.