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Reddit’s r_k12sysadmin Credits: @r_channels @reddit2telegram
Students Bypassing GoGuardian and Lightspeed Filter, What Can I Do?
Before you tell me to block JavaScript URLs, I already blocked javascript:// and data://. They are doing something more advanced. Half of them don't show history in Lightspeed at all, and the other half have incriminating history. This only happens on Chromebooks. We have suspended many and are still cracking down, but more and more pop up every day. What can I do?
https://redd.it/1k8p4dh
@r_k12sysadmin
Curriculum Opt-Outs and Trump's K-12 AI Plan
https://k12techtalkpodcast.com/e/k-12-tech-talk-curriculum-opt-outs-and-ai-education/ and all major podcast platforms
We dive into two compelling stories surrounding curriculum opt-outs and the complex position schools find themselves in. They explore a recent Supreme Court case impacting parental rights in curriculum choices and how this trend affects K-12 institutions nationwide.
Then, the discussion shifts to a significant executive order from Trump focusing on integrating AI education into school curriculums. We debate the potential benefits and concerns raised by the educational community regarding the implementation and funding of such initiatives.
https://redd.it/1k8debj
@r_k12sysadmin
Job Site Sources
I'm looking to move to another state. Wondering what resources/sites you use to look for K12 IT jobs? Thanks
https://redd.it/1k7w1uy
@r_k12sysadmin
Printers during state testing
Hi all,
How do other districts handle printing during state testing? We have the standard setup with Papercut and MFPs located around the buildings which has been fine for the last 5 years. Just recently, admin came to me requesting individual printers for each classroom during state testing!
How do other districts handle printing during state testing? Do you provide classroom printers to each teacher, and then remove them afterwards? Or do they continue to use the normal MFPs? The concern that teachers have brought up is the time that it takes to walk over to the MFPs, and that another staff member has to do it so the classroom always has an adult present.
Thanks
https://redd.it/1k7mkww
@r_k12sysadmin
Config Manager Image Capture 24H2
Hello!
I am creating the image for the upcoming school year and we are testing moving to 24H2 for the newest updates. When I go to run the Image Capture Wizard it errors out on the preparing sysprep stage with the error included in the screenshot.
I have dealt with this error before on the previous version but found a work around with the AppPackage removal and changing the regedit for sysprep, and it worked on 23H2. I followed these steps on this
blog.https://netsidetech.ca/2022/10/22/image-capture-wizard-fails-with-error-code-0x00004005/
From some reddit posts about this I am finding that something changed with 24H2 that makes this AppPackage method cause Windows to become unstable and have explorer constantly crashing and reopening without being able to resolve it.
Has anyone ran into this issue before and been able to successfully capture the image?
Any advice is much appreciated!
https://preview.redd.it/m0jtj3cqmzwe1.png?width=453&format=png&auto=webp&s=6db69777cbe2f8fb45bb99b2ea4b941b00a3906c
https://redd.it/1k7lqki
@r_k12sysadmin
Staff Chromebooks - 8GB or 16GB RAM?
We are considering moving teachers and most staff from Windows 11 to Chromebooks. While looking for models to test, I noticed there are very few models of Chromebooks with 16GB of memory. Most come with 8GB.
Question: In 2025, do you think teachers will require 16GB or would the 8GB models work ok? Everything they use is in a browser, so there will be little if any Android/Linux apps in use.
https://redd.it/1k71szk
@r_k12sysadmin
Classroom Management (Windows)
Does anyone have any recommendations for classroom management that they love? Lightspeed classroom has been hit or miss for us on Windows.
https://redd.it/1k6umtp
@r_k12sysadmin
Lock Chromebook SSID before login
Is there a way to lock Chromebooks to a specific SSID before logging in?
During testing, we receive several urgent calls because students attempt to connect their Chromebooks to incorrect SSIDs, such as the Guest network, a nearby home Wi-Fi, or a phone hotspot. Most testing occurs via Chromebook kiosk apps, which don’t require students to log in before starting.
https://redd.it/1k6vlo8
@r_k12sysadmin
Is it normal to not be informed of the budget?
I have a hard time trying to choose what to purchase, and what kind of moves to make, and when I ask admin what the budget looks like, I just have to present my ideas to the board with no concrete answers.
Even a "keep the purchase under $x.xx" would be wonderful.
https://redd.it/1k6t0o9
@r_k12sysadmin
Backup Google Workspace Admin Console
We are looking to back up accounts and shared drives on Google Workspace.
I see a few options. We prefer to have a local copy.
\- Synology has Active Backup (local)
https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/help/ActiveBackup-GSuite/activebackup\_gsuite?version=7
\- Backblaze (local to Truenas and up to cloud)
https://www.backblaze.com/docs/cloud-storage-integrate-cubebackup-with-backblaze-b2
\- Veeam isn't offering a solution :-(
What are you using? Do you like it?
\-
https://redd.it/1k65wtj
@r_k12sysadmin
Unblocking Chromebook Settings
Looking for some reassurance I haven't lost my mind.
In Google Admin I blocked students from being able to access the OS Settings on their Chromebooks. I have new students who require a foreign language setup on their Chromes. So I go into Google Admin using the steps below to reverse the lockout but its still showing as locked on the Chromebooks even after waiting an hour. I've made sure to check the appropriate OU, logged out, reboot and sign back in, but no change. Am I missing something?
Sign in to Google Admin admin.google.com
Select Devices
Select Chrome Devices
Under the word Admin at the top left of your screen, select the drop-down box and select 'Settings'
On the left side of the screen select the OU that contains all of your student accounts
Press 'CTRL' & 'F'
Type 'Disabled System Features' It will be the second result found
Select 'OS Settings' & 'Browser Settings'
Select 'Save' at the top right of the screen
https://redd.it/1k65mig
@r_k12sysadmin
Scan to Email no longer working with Gmail. Help!
Greetings,
Yesterday when I came into the ofice, all of our Kyocera Printers now no longer can scan to email. We use Gmail, and no changes have been made in our Google Tenant. I was hoping that somehow, maybe it was somehow a Google issue and would resolve itself, but this morning the issue is still there. I have no idea what the problem is, as all the SMTP settings are correct and have not changed, and I can get into the account with the credentials we have always used. Did Google change something? Have they made some change for security purposes that has broken our Scan to Email?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
https://redd.it/1k5z0bw
@r_k12sysadmin
Defender for Cloud - Google Workspace
Hi everyone. We are looking to purchase Google Education Standard licenses for our three Google Workspace domains to use the enhanced security features. I am also looking into using Microsoft Defender for Cloud to provide the same security for Google Workspace since we already have the licensing and won’t need to pay extra money.
Is anyone using Defender for Cloud to manage the security of their Google Workspace? If so, how is it working? Does it provide DLP, threat prevention, phishing remediation, etc? Would there be a reason to use Google Security Command Center (Education Standard) over Defender?
Thank you!
https://redd.it/1k5e9r6
@r_k12sysadmin
Summer work
I am looking to see what kinds of things you have on your summer list as directors/coordinators.
I have finally dug myself out of playing catchup every year and I'm looking to get to a more proactive position.
I also generally have a technician to unpack/enroll chromebooks, image windows devices, and other low level stuff, but we are now efficient enough that there's not always enough for both of us, and they're not enthusiastic on maintaining the position over the summer. But there is too much for only one person to do. Especially in the summer.
I am looking for legitimate ideas to both become more proactive and justify the labor.
Show me what you got!
Thanks
https://redd.it/1k5d4ou
@r_k12sysadmin
Device we received today "I dropped it off of my roof"
https://preview.redd.it/3aq0h3rsffwe1.png?width=630&format=png&auto=webp&s=e5a997040a1f44655fd2f6e0197e11908b93c7b9
https://redd.it/1k5d6pc
@r_k12sysadmin
Security Watch 4/25/25
On K12TechPro, we've launched a weekly cyber threat intelligence and vulnerability newsletter with NTP and K12TechPro. We'll post the "public" news to k12sysadmin from each newsletter. For the full "k12 techs only" portion (no middle schoolers, bad guys, vendors, etc. allowed), log into k12techpro.com and visit the Cybersecurity Hub.
From the SOC Drawer
NTP’s SOC has observed a rise in attacks targeting VPN login portals, which attackers exploit using weak or outdated credentials to access internal systems while impersonating legitimate users.
Don't Delete that New Folder!
In April’s Patch Tuesday, Microsoft addressed CVE-2025-21204—a vulnerability that could potentially allow authenticated attackers to perform file operations as the SYSTEM user. The fix includes creating a new %systemdrive%\\inetpub folder, even on systems without IIS installed.
CVE-2025-31200 & CVE-2025-31201
Apple’s growing presence in corporate environments has made its devices increasingly attractive targets for attackers. Two new vulnerabilities—CVE-2025-31200 and CVE-2025-31201—highlight this shift.
Google OAuth Abuse
A new phishing method exploits Google OAuth and DKIM replay to send emails that appear to come directly from Google. Attackers craft a malicious Google OAuth app with a phishing message embedded in the app’s name.
https://redd.it/1k8dcj0
@r_k12sysadmin
I'm going to be forced to quit, and it feels planned.
I've been working at a private school (9-12) for several years. This past year the administration made some drastic changes. New head and a lot of high level positions filled from outside hires due to a mass retirement year. While I haven't agreed with a lot of the changes, I've been weathering it because my child is finally going to be attending. A perk of the job is free tuition for what would normally be a university level cost.
Today, I was informed that my child's application was rejected without clear reasons. Every time I pushed I was met with "not a good fit" to they point where they were getting visibly upset that I wouldn't stop pushing for an explanation. I swear they were waiting for me to quit on the spot. I've been around long enough to know that my kid is no where near a level of rejection. I have seen many kids accepted with bad grades, behavioral issues, and questionable backgrounds. My kid has a D and a 504 for PTSD, and has been around the faculty for just as long as I have and is always greeted with excitement when she stops by the office.
Its well know that educational IT is not the most compensated of career paths. I've been through a lot. Two departmental downsizes (3 employees to one) more then a reasonable number of changes in upper leadership, and now this. I'm a well respected and established member of the community, ive kept the department active and engaged with the student community. For all my extra work, long hours, jumping on my VPN at 11 on Friday night to toggle student access because a kid did something stupid, all of it was so that my kid could get this great education. They say there is a path forward if I do XYZ and maybe they'll be able to reconsider but it felt more like kiss the ring and bend over rather than a real promise.
Regardless, if my child isn't accepted by the end of the summer I'll have no choice but to seek employment elsewhere. I can't be part of a place that rejected my child. I'm just pissed that all the years I've put into this place are going to end because of one man whose been there just over a year. And even worse, despite all the demands they've put on me it's the best job I've ever had. I honestly love the place. I've made a difference that's mattered to many kids and I've come to call it home.
Et tu, Brute.
https://redd.it/1k7yd62
@r_k12sysadmin
Tariff impact
Gamers Nexus, who is a Youtuber that generally does gaming hardware reviews and news, did a really good nearly 3 hour video with several IT manufacturers to see the impact of tariffs their business.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W\_mSOS1Qts
https://redd.it/1k7rqr9
@r_k12sysadmin
Managing Android Tablets
We use Google workspace to manage all of our student devices, all Chromebooks. We unexpectedly received a wonderful donation from a local sports franchise of Chromebooks and Android Tablets. These devices are to be used in an after-school program for an inner-city, teenage girls group. The space is a clinical office, not a school, so the site is not on our network. Enrolling the Chromebooks into a new OU was not a problem, but we've never had Android tablets before. I thought that enrolling them would be easy, since they are Android devices, just like Chromebooks are but that doesn't seem to be the case. Can anyone shed some light on how to enroll these devices into our student domain and manage them? Since the students aren't enrolled in our schools, I decided that setting up device accounts made the most sense, but my first device was insisting on a 2FA phone number and that isn't going to work. Any advice would be appreciated. What I'm trying to achieve is app management and internet filtering via GoGuardian.
https://redd.it/1k7np8a
@r_k12sysadmin
Exam Room Ai
Does any district here use Exam Room Ai and have you had issues recently with Chrome extensions needing to be removed before taking the exam.
https://redd.it/1k74iwb
@r_k12sysadmin
Viewsonic 2ED Boards Feedback
Are there any schools out there that are currently using Viewsonics 2ED boards? I would love to get their feedback on your experience so far.
Thanks!
https://redd.it/1k6tgwx
@r_k12sysadmin
Projector recommendations for well lit room
We are in the process of remodeling an old school and the classrooms are very well lit with natural light, think a full outside wall of windows. Any recommendations for a projector that can accommodate this without breaking the bank? I have roughly 30 classrooms to outfit and prefer Epson brand, but willing to hear others. I was looking at the Powerlite U50. IFP's are a no go. TIA!
https://redd.it/1k6urtp
@r_k12sysadmin
Backup solution experience request
We're vetting Veeam w/ Veeam cloud vs Dell Apex backup solutions. Does anyone have experience with either that they are willing to share. We're torn between the two. Veeam requires an in house component; management server at minimum, but also offers the option for local storage with cloud as primary or secondary location. Apex is 100% cloud management and storage with no onsite local storage option (with the license level we're entertaining). Is anyone out there on a completely cloud backup solution? We have less than 4TB to back up so we're not concerned with restoration times.
Thank you in advance for any insight this community can provide.
https://redd.it/1k6sy5n
@r_k12sysadmin
NWEA Blocked in China & Hong Kong
Trying to do MAP testing in a small school in China. We have a local line that we usually use for NWEA MAP internet traffic and an "international line" that runs our traffic through Hong Kong. Both seem to be refused by NWEA MAP at the moment. Is this a temporary blip or are we in trouble?
https://redd.it/1k6i3po
@r_k12sysadmin
School ERP Pro (Nee Infinite Visions) - EmployeeID
Has anyone changed the EmployeeID value (*NOT* the UserEmployeeID) Value for everyone that is active within a connection group?
We have reasons to change it, and based on small scale testing we aren't seeing any problems.
Are there any horror stories, or edge cases which are impacted by this change. Tyler made it sound like this was the worst idea ever....
https://redd.it/1k675le
@r_k12sysadmin
freshdesk ending free option. Switch to alternative or try to convince admin to pay?
I am bit bummed to learn that freshdesk changed their policy and as of June 21st I will lose access to it unless we pay for it. I did my research and it took effort to setup. It is a very busy time for me to switch to something new, but I was proud to have found something free to save my school money, since I am already asking for extra this year due to refreshes.
Any advice?
https://redd.it/1k64p9e
@r_k12sysadmin
Linux Lab Virtualization
My AP Computer teacher bought a few laptops so students can practice loading Linux, cybersecurity, virtualization etc. I was thinking of imaging the laptops with Windows 11 and adding a local account on them for students to use.
I was then thinking of loading Virtual Box so they could load Linux as much as they want.
Would anyone have some ideas of how best to set all of this up?
Any best ideas on what we can do etc?
Thanks!
Scott
https://redd.it/1k5cwjs
@r_k12sysadmin
Google Workspace Fundamentals License with Teaching and Learning Upgrade Question
Hi everyone. A few people in our admissions department want gmails native mail merge feature. We have the fundamentals plan and do not want to upgrade the entire org to education standard or plus. But the mail merge feature is only available in standard or plus. I spoke with a Google sales engineer confirmed that we can’t get just four of the standard license. But it was mentioned that if I pay for a Teaching and Learning add on, it will give me the same feature set as education plus, including mail merge.
Does anyone have experience with this? I bought one add-on for myself as a test. And so far, I don’t see the mail merge button in my Gmail compose window. I can confirm that I have the license though.
https://redd.it/1k5fs8c
@r_k12sysadmin
Better network minds have advice on getting my school to a better SSID configuration?
'm the IT admin at a charter school dealing with a messy WiFi setup. Looking for advice from those who've done similar restructuring.
**Current situation:**
* One SSID with 8+ user groups (Staff, Student, Facilities, Lab, VoIP, Video, etc.)
* Different passwords route users to different VLANs
* Staff password widely known/unchanged in years (that I know off, I've been here since last Oct)
* Staff using personal devices on staff network (biggest security concern)
* New computers arriving soon for device refresh
**My concerns:**
* Too many unnecessary WiFi groups (seems like someone made a group for every VLAN)
* Security issues with shared passwords
* Don't want to configure new computers with settings I'll change later
* Worried about "breaking things" during transition
**My plan:**
* Simplify to three networks: Staff (school devices only), Student, and Guest/BYOD
* Create a new SSID structure alongside existing one for gradual migration
**Questions:**
1. Has anyone successfully migrated from a password-based to 802.1X system?
2. What's the best way to run both systems in parallel during transition?
3. Any recommended tools or approaches for a smooth migration?
4. Timeline tips? (Summer break is \~1 month away)
I want the staff password completely private and every school issued computer to only have the connection. So I am trying to figure out my options for that.
Any advice on how to give all staff devices access to the staff wifi without giving out the password. And also how best to do this transition. Could creating the other SSID and moving everyone over be the best solution?
https://redd.it/1k5cu9c
@r_k12sysadmin
Rolling back 1:1
Anyone seeing/experiencing a pushback on 'true' 1:1 (everyone takes home a device every night)? We (rural K-12, \~1,000 students) are starting to discuss what it would look like in the district to pull back and really consider the 'why' of what we are doing with devices. We have already stopped sending home devices in K-7, but we may actually start rolling toward classroom sets even up through 10th in the coming years. Much of the drive from admin is from the standpoint of 'Are we really using these for a reason?' or are they glorified babysitters? Just curious to see where everyone is on the subject in 2025....
https://redd.it/1k5827k
@r_k12sysadmin
