To maintain these standards and ensure compliance with federal mandates like the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, the district relies heavily on its partnership with Lightspeed Systems.
Using Lightspeed’s platform, administrators can filter web content both at scale and on a granular level, blocking inappropriate material, online games and bandwidth-heavy streaming sites, as well as managing access to AI tools.
“We had filtering, but we didn’t have something as robust as what Lightspeed provides,” David notes, highlighting the system’s flexibility to create targeted exceptions.
For example, while most podcast software is age-restricted, IT can synchronise class schedules to unlock those specific platforms solely for students enrolled in storytelling or podcasting courses.
Beyond content filtering, the district also uses Lightspeed Alert, an automated monitoring tool that scans student emails and Google Docs for early indicators of bullying, self-harm or violence, allowing administrators to intervene before safety issues escalate.
“Our previous safety software sent so many false alarms that we were bogged down in notifications instead of helping students,” David says. “Lightspeed’s Alert gives us actionable data, even sending after-hours notifications for violent or concerning threats. It has truly allowed us to intervene when it matters most and potentially save lives.”
