Fiber optic cable across the Northshore School District is in need of updates, and thanks to the generous support of Northshore voters, who approved the 2018 and 2022 Capital Bond, these technology infrastructure improvements are in progress. The current fiber was installed in the early 1990s, and the new fiber optic cable provides an immediate speed improvement of 20-30 percent, which prepares schools for the next phase of higher speed connections to wireless networks planned to begin in summer 2023. These fiber improvements are part of the ongoing network modernization for all schools aimed at improving network speeds for student and staff devices. This supports the 1-to-1 deployment of technology devices for student learning made available through the voter-approved 2018 and 2022 Technology Levy.
Fiber optic cable replacement projects completed, underway, and scheduled in 2023 include:
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Completed: Woodinville High School, Fernwood Elementary, Sunrise Elementary, and Woodmoor Elementary
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Scheduled for spring 2023: Hollywood Hill Elementary, Wellington Elementary, and the Support Services Center, including Adult Transitioning Pathways (ATP). In addition, the fiber optic pathway that leads from Arrowhead Elementary down Juanita Drive, and across the Sammamish Slough (where the City of Kenmore’s West Sammamish River Bridge Replacement Project has reached substantial completion), is scheduled to be rebuilt. This will restore the primary network pathway for Arrowhead and Moorlands Elementary as well as the critical backup pathway for 28 other schools.
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Scheduled for summer 2023: Bear Creek Campus, Canyon Creek, Cottage Lake, East Ridge, Frank Love, Kenmore, Moorlands, Shelton View, Westhill, and Woodin elementaries.