1. Purpose and Scope
This Emergency Operations Plan establishes comprehensive protocols for responding to internet service disruptions in New York City Public Schools, with the primary goals of maintaining instructional continuity and ensuring the continuation of core administrative operations.
The plan addresses outages of varying duration, from brief service interruptions to prolonged multi-day disruptions. It provides a tiered framework for response, focusing on the immediate activation of non-digital instructional strategies, the deployment of alternative connectivity solutions, and clear communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed. The scope encompasses all phases of the incident, from initial verification through the full restoration of services.
2. Key Objectives
The plan prioritizes core objectives during internet outage emergencies:
- Instructional Continuity: Maintaining teaching and learning through the immediate implementation of "digital down" lesson plans and the strategic use of offline-capable technology.
- Operational Integrity: Ensuring the continuation of essential administrative functions, including attendance, student support services, and communication.
- Communication: Establishing reliable, redundant communication channels to provide timely and accurate information to staff, students, and families.
- Resource Management: Leveraging existing resources and pre-positioned technology to mitigate the impact of the outage on school operations.
3. Roles and Responsibilities
- Decision-Making Authority: The Chancellor or Superintendent authorizes significant operational shifts, such as transitions to remote learning or relocation for prolonged outages.
- Incident Command Structure:
- Incident Commander: Oversees the overall response and resource allocation.
- Operations Team: Manages the technical response, including Internet Support Provider (ISP) communication, deployment of mobile hotspots, and support for offline technology.
- Logistics Team: Distributes alternative connectivity resources and supports the implementation of non-digital administrative procedures (e.g., paper-based attendance).
- Public Information Officer (PIO): Coordinates all internal and external communications using pre-drafted templates and redundant systems.
4. Response Procedures
- Immediate Response (First 30 Minutes):
- Designated staff verify the school-wide outage and contact the DIIT to report the issue and obtain a restoration estimate.
- An internal announcement via PA or walkie-talkie directs all staff to implement "Digital Down" protocols.
- A pre-drafted notification is sent to families via SMS/text message systems.
- Sustained Outage (2+ Hours to End of Day):
- Pre-identified mobile hotspots are deployed to priority areas (e.g., main office, library).
- Instruction continues using pre-downloaded content and mandatory "unplugged" lesson plans from teacher-prepared materials.
- Administrative functions pivot to paper-based systems (attendance, grading).
- Prolonged Outage (Multiple Days):
- Escalation with the DIIT for a firm restoration timeline and temporary solutions.
- Implementation of a staggered schedule for limited hotspot access to support high-priority tasks.
- Distribution of physical materials (books, photocopied packets) and modification of assignment deadlines.
5. Communication Plan
The communication framework begins with immediate internal alerts to staff and official reporting to DIIT.
A multi-channel notification system ensures timely information reaches all stakeholders through:
- Internal PA systems and staff walkie-talkies.
- SMS/text alerts to families and staff via mass notification systems.
- Official DOE website, NYSCA messaging and social media updates.
- Physical signage on school doors for visitors.
All messaging utilizes pre-approved templates by legal and comms to ensure consistency and clarity.
6. Relocation and Resources
- Instructional Continuity:
- Activation of "Digital Down" lesson materials and pre-downloaded digital resources.
- Utilization of the school library's physical books and materials.
- Staggered access to mobile hotspot stations for critical online tasks.
- Essential Services:
- Strategic deployment of a diverse fleet of mobile hotspots (multiple carriers).
- Maintenance of school Local Area Network for internal printing and file sharing.
- Implementation of paper-based systems for attendance, grading, and health services.
7. Training and Preparedness
Preparedness activities include:
- Annual staff training on "Digital Down" protocols and offline technology use (Google Drive Offline, etc.).
- Require all teachers to maintain and annually update “Digital Down" instructional materials.
- Biannual drills simulating internet outage scenarios.
- Maintenance of an inventory of mobile hotspots and regular testing of alternative communication devices.
8. After-Action Review
Following any significant internet outage incident:
- The Office of Emergency Planning and Response will convene a debrief session within 72 hours.
- The review examines communication effectiveness, the performance of alternative connectivity solutions, the adequacy of instructional materials, and decision-making processes.
- Findings inform annual plan updates conducted in collaboration with the Division of Instructional and Information Technology (DIIT), ensuring continuous improvement of response capabilities.