Information Technology
The Office of Information Technology (IT) powers educational excellence at Allegany County Public Schools by providing a secure, reliable, and innovative digital foundation. As the primary technical engine and direct support network for all ACPS schools, central offices, and operational facilities, our team manages core infrastructure, custom software development, server and network administration, physical access, end-user assistance, digital communications, and technology lifecycle management. Through unified public communications, robust data systems, and direct field support, we empower our educators and staff to focus on student success while keeping our entire school community safe and connected.
Support Workflow & Community IT Guidance
To maintain clear communication and efficient operational continuity across the district, technical support is structured based on your role within the ACPS community:
- Internal ACPS Staff: District personnel, teachers, and administrative staff receive direct support from IT and should submit all technical issues, hardware requests, and field service needs through the centralized Incident IQ Portal(opens in new tab) or our IT Help Desk is here to assist you. Call extension 2095 or email the IT Help Desk, and a member of our team will be happy to help.
- Parents, Students & Community Members: For families, students, or community members experiencing IT-related issues or inquiries, support is managed directly through your local School Administration. School administrators and school-based staff work directly with our IT team on your behalf to resolve issues efficiently while ensuring seamless administrative continuity.
Data & Information Systems
The Data and Information Systems team manages secure software applications and compliant data reporting pipelines across the district, ensuring data accuracy and full alignment with local, state, and federal reporting standards.
- Administrative & Financial Operations: We support internal systems for human resources, payroll, personnel tracking, and core business functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, and fixed asset management.
- Pupil Services: Our team maintains essential student databases for academic scheduling, grading history, enrollment and registration, attendance tracking, special education records, and food services.
- Reporting Compliance: We compile, verify, and manage state data aggregation pipelines for individual school profiles and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
- Custom Applications: We develop secure internal web applications to streamline localized data gathering, database inquiries, administrative performance management, and custom reporting analysis.
- Operational Data Bridge: We serve as the primary operational bridge connecting IT with district leadership, department heads, administrative teams, and frontline users—including Principals, Supervisors, Secretaries, Counselors, and Pupil Personnel Workers (PPWs)—to align data workflows with daily administrative needs.
IT Infrastructure & Field Services
The IT Infrastructure and Field Services team keeps the district’s physical hardware, server environments, and multi-site digital networks connected, operational, and secure.
- Help Desk & User Support: Our central Help Desk provides dedicated technical assistance and prompt troubleshooting for district staff, ensuring fast resolution of hardware, software, and access issues.
- Server & System Management: We manage physical and virtual server infrastructure, directory services, and central data storage systems to guarantee high availability and system efficiency across the district.
- Technical Hardware Support: We install, configure, deploy, and repair campus computers, student devices, instructional classroom projectors, network telephone systems, and school audio-visual equipment.
- Network Operations: Our network analysts manage the underlying wired and wireless infrastructure, high-speed fiber internet connections, local routing, and core switching hardware for ACPS facilities and the Allegany County Public Library system.
- Procurement & Lifecycle Management: We coordinate the complete technology lifecycle according to district purchasing guidelines. This includes standardizing device procurement, securing cost-effective federal E-Rate funding for internet infrastructure, managing asset inventory, overseeing hardware deployment, and executing certified recycling for obsolete equipment.
- System Continuity & Physical Security: Our staff implements advanced cybersecurity safeguards, provisions uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and maintains business continuity disaster recovery plans. We also manage physical security controls, including school surveillance camera networks, secure server room environmental protections, and locked hardware closet access monitoring to prevent unauthorized access.
- Field Services Operation: Daily on-site repairs, equipment deployment, and hardware maintenance across our campuses are executed by a mobile team of IT Field Technicians.
Access & Cybersecurity
The team manages system authentication and physical access controls to maintain comprehensive security across all district facilities.
- Districtwide Cybersecurity Protection: We deploy enterprise-grade cybersecurity tools, threat monitoring software, endpoint protection, and automated filtering systems across all district devices, servers, and web assets to keep our students, staff, and community safe from digital threats.
- Employee Identity & ID Badging: We oversee the end-to-end employee credentialing process—including taking staff photo IDs, printing physical ID badges, and managing user profiles within the district's credentialing system.
- Building & Facility Access Control: Our team provisions and audits electronic door access privileges, ensuring authorized entry for staff while maintaining tight perimeter security across all ACPS facilities.
Communications & Web Services
Operating as key members of the IT Department, our Public Information Officer (PIO) and Webmaster manage the district’s public-facing digital media, web footprint, and institutional messaging to keep families, staff, and the community informed.
- Webmaster Services & Accessibility Compliance: Our Webmaster designs, maintains, and updates the official district website and school web pages. We enforce strict web accessibility standards—ensuring full compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and WCAG guidelines—so that all digital content, forms, and tools are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- Public Information & Media Relations: Our Public Information Officer oversees districtwide communications, media relations, urgent notifications, and public announcements to ensure transparent, consistent, and timely communication across all official channels.
Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Statement
Allegany County Public Schools is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, staff, and community members. In compliance with the Maryland Data Privacy and Protection Act and security directives from the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT), the Office of Information Technology enforces strict data minimization protocols across all communications and technical operations.
- Secure Access Protocols: All administrative and support interactions should be conducted through authorized organizational channels (such as the Incident IQ Service Portal or verified departmental email addresses) to ensure that communications are securely logged, verified, and safely routed.
- Information Security Standards: ACPS employs advanced network monitoring, micro-segmentation, and technical safeguards to ensure that pupil records, personnel data, and institutional operations remain strictly protected.
John Hampton
Director of Information Technology
John Hampton leads the Office of Information Technology, overseeing the strategic vision, daily operations, and digital infrastructure for Allegany County Public Schools. He directs a comprehensive IT organization encompassing core network architecture, enterprise data platforms, cybersecurity and access controls, mobile field operations, end-user support services, and districtwide communications.
Under his leadership, the IT department provides a secure, reliable, and innovative digital foundation—ensuring seamless technology integration, system availability, and operational continuity across all academic and administrative departments districtwide.