Case Study: Westhill Central School District achieves modern, secure, high-capacity wireless learning and improved collaboration with HPE Aruba Networking

New York School District Takes Wireless Learning into 21st Century

Westhill Central School District, a high-performing district in Onondaga County with two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, faced an aging, flat layer‑2 wireless infrastructure that could no longer support more than 600 devices or the state’s shift to computerized testing. The technology team needed a manageable, secure network that would handle a wide range of mobile devices (laptops, tablets, eReaders, smartphones) and policy levels without adding operational complexity.

The district rebuilt its core as a layer‑3 routed network and deployed an Aruba wireless solution—two controllers, 140 access points and Aruba ClearPass—after finding it easier to implement and manage in their Apple-driven environment than the alternative. The upgrade improved security and policy control, energized teacher-led collaborative, problem‑based learning, eliminated isolated, jack-tethered workstations, and positioned the district for statewide computer‑based testing.

Westhill Central School District

Deric Tallman

Director of Technology