Summary

We conducted a survey of the educational entities in the State of Florida, which included all district school boards, community colleges, and universities. The survey was composed of specific technology-related questions. Entity responses to the survey were received between April and May 2001. Responses to selected questions from the survey were confirmed with the entities in July 2001 and used in the preparation of this report.

The survey responses indicated that many varied and, in some cases, potentially deficient information technology (IT) control practices were being followed by Florida educational entities. In addition, constitutional and statutory changes establishing a new governance model for Florida's educational system have created uncertainty as to future information technology requirements. New Federal regulations related to personal health information could also have a significant impact on educational entities, particularly in the area of IT.

The Department of Education (Department) should promote sound IT business practices among the entities, and, where appropriate, facilitate educational system-wide solutions to IT problems. To assist in the formation of sound IT practices, the Department should consider utilizing the State Technology Office (STO) as a resource for information, particularly with respect to enterprise IT practices and solutions. Areas in which the Department is in a good position to promote, encourage, and facilitate good information technology management include:

• Long-range IT planning
• IT security
• Use and control of emerging technologies
• Acquisitions of application systems
• Ensuring compliance with new legal requirements

We also noted a need for Legislative action regarding certain provisions of Chapter 282, Florida Statutes, as they relate to information technology functions of Florida’s education system. Specifically, Chapter 282, Florida Statutes, needs updating to accommodate the governance structure changes provided in Chapter 229, Florida Statutes.

The Commissioner of Education's response can be viewed in its entirety on the Auditor General Web Site.