The Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC) announced this week the election of five board members to its executive committee, including Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) Superintendent Terry L. Walker as Vice-Chair.
CENIC connects California to the world, advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. A nonprofit organization, CENIC operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity network designed to meet the unique requirements of more than 20 million users. CENIC also provides connectivity to leading-edge institutions and industry research organizations around the world, serving the public as a catalyst for a vibrant California. CENIC is governed by its members.
“I am honored to serve on the CENIC Board of Directors as Vice-Chair,” said Superintendent Walker. “The inclusion of IUSD and the California K-12 System is a reflection of this powerful group’s growing appreciation for the critical improvements, technological needs, revolutionary possibilities, and severe inequities within the K-12 community.
Superintendent Walker, is the only K-12 superintendent representative in the state to sit on the CENIC Board of Directors and Executive Committee. His ongoing role with CENIC in recent years has proved beneficial for IUSD and pivotal in bringing the first-ever 100-Gigabit per second K-12 internet connection to all 27 school districts in Orange County through the CENIC network.
As a result of the 100Gb connection, IUSD students now have increased access to quality research resources, interactive lessons and video streaming to increase their engagement in science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math.
“As a K-12 leader of one of the nation’s highest performing school districts, Superintendent Walker brings a vital perspective to CENIC leadership,” said CENIC President and Chief Executive Officer Louis Fox. “He understands the challenges and needs of students of all ages and the importance of providing access to information and innovative learning resources to our primary and secondary teachers and students to unleash their limitless potential for innovation and success.”
IUSD has made significant investments in its technological infrastructure, student learning and staff training, which has uniquely positioned the District, as a K-12 institution, to fully maximize opportunities to provide students with learning experiences often found on higher education campuses that will better prepare students for 21st century college and career.
“Technology is a tool to empower teacher potential, student engagement and connections to resources,” said Superintendent Walker. “Through my role as CENIC Vice-Chair, I hope to continue the organization’s mission to advance education and research statewide, which will not only benefit IUSD but all California K-12 systems.”
The Board of Directors is comprised of CENIC’s Charter Associates, the founding and governing members of CENIC. Charter Associates include the California K-12 system, California Community Colleges, the California State University (CSU) system, California’s public libraries, the University of California system, Stanford, Caltech, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the University of Southern California (USC). The Directors meet six times per year to guide the organization, set policy, and make decisions about its future direction. The executive committee works on behalf of the board, meeting weekly, to ensure that governance is responsive to CENIC’s diverse communities.
For more information about IUSD technology projects and investments, click here.
To learn more about CENIC, including the new Board of Directors, visit cenic.org.