There's a big change happening this summer in the district's Technology Services, and it's getting some national press.

The Metro Schools Technology & Information Services (TIS) team is moving to provide email accounts to all employees and students using Microsoft's Office 365 platform. This means transitioning away from the Metro government email system that was used in the past, a move that will reduce the district’s cost for email services while also addressing storage, security and information sharing needs. Employees will keep their current email addresses and existing emails will transfer to the new platform.

Office 365 for education is a new platform just made available this summer. Metro Schools is one of the first institutions to take it on, which garnered us a mention in a blog post last month.

From GettingSmart.com:

Eighty thousand students will switch from Google to the Microsoft solution while 9,500 faculty and staff will be moving to the cloud from on-premises solutions, saving the district $400,000 annually in IT services costs. ... “It’s important we have a consistent toolset across the district so people can work together effectively. With Office 365 everything from the features and functions in the applications to the way the toolbars look exactly the same no matter where or how it’s being accessed, helps improve both teacher and student productivity,” said John Williams, executive director, Technology and Information Services, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. “This consistency, combined with the collaboration capabilities of Office 365, will be essential in supporting the blended learning environment we’re striving for across our district.” Read the full article on GettingSmart.com

This transition will allow a seamless method for communication and collaboration throughout the district. Additionally, the district will be poised to meet the increasing demand for mobility, conferencing, social media, file-sharing and file storage.

Thanks, TIS for all you do to serve Metro Schools employees and students!