Burns Middle School in Brandon, Florida, is actively enhancing its educational and operational technology environments. The school focuses on expanding its Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings and integrating new digital tools for student learning. This includes a robust aerospace technology program, along with specialized courses in robotics, coding, and digital information technology.
These initiatives create operational pressure for coordinating advanced learning platforms and managing new digital infrastructure. Burns Middle School is impacted by Hillsborough County Public Schools' district-level procurement activities for new software systems and campus safety upgrades. Vendors can support the school by offering solutions that integrate with existing systems, streamline technology management, and enhance specialized educational programs.
Burns Middle School Snapshot
Location: Brandon, FL
School District: Hillsborough County Public Schools
Grades Served: 6-8
Technology Environment: Features Aerospace Technology, Robotics, Coding, and Digital Information Technology programs. The district is also deploying a new student information system (Focus).
Key Initiative: Expanding Career and Technical Education offerings and modernizing core operational technology systems.
Website: https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/burnsms
Recent Funding and Procurement Activity
| Funding Activity | Amount | Operational Area | Current School-Level Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Virtual Reality Software and Equipment Procurement (RFP 25536RFPEST) | $100,000 (estimated annual) | Career & Technical Education (CTE) Technology | Directly supports career exploration content relevant to Burns Middle School's CTE programs. |
| District Software Solution Program SNS (Student Nutrition Services) (RFP 25585-RFP-DST) | Not specified | Operational Technology - Nutrition Services | Impacts daily operational systems at Burns Middle School through district-wide food service management. |
| District CCTV-LAN Cabling Services Procurement (RFP 26043-RFP-DST) | Not specified | Campus Safety & Network Infrastructure | Enhances physical security and network capabilities across district schools, including Burns Middle School. |
| District Fire Alarm System Procurement (RFP 26110-RFP-MST) | Not specified | Campus Safety | Ensures updated fire safety protocols and equipment are implemented at district facilities. |
| District New Student Information System (Focus) Deployment | $600,000 (initial software), $750,000 (consulting) | Core Instructional & Administrative Technology | Replaces the existing student information system district-wide, impacting all administrative and instructional staff at Burns Middle School for the 2026 school year. |
| District Capital Construction Projects | Nearly $150 million | Facilities Modernization | District-level investment in new construction and replacement campuses, indicating a broader focus on modernizing school environments that may indirectly affect future planning at Burns Middle School. |
Leadership and Key Buying Personas
| Name | Role | Department | Public Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Diprima | Principal | Administration | matthew.diprima@hcps.net |
| Audrenita Blair | Assistant Principal for Curriculum (APC) | Administration | audrenita.blair@hcps.net |
| Jason Dorray | Assistant Principal for Administration (APA) | Administration | jason.dorray@hcps.net |
| Maria Perez | 6th Grade Counselor | Student Services | maria.perez1@hcps.net |
| Mary Moore | 7th Grade Counselor | Student Services | mary.moore@hcps.net |
| Sherlyn Laurelli | 8th Grade Counselor | Student Services | sherlyn.laurelli@hcps.net |
Key Initiatives at a Glance
- Expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with new aerospace technology, robotics, and coding courses.
- Implementing a new district-wide student information system (Focus) for improved data management.
- Upgrading campus safety and network infrastructure across school facilities.
- Integrating advanced academic opportunities like high school level courses for middle school students.
What Companies Can Sell to Burns Middle School
| Who Can Sell Here | Current Initiative | Operational Pressure | Seller Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEM Education Providers | Expanding Aerospace Technology program | Managing drone fleet, flight simulation systems, and specialized curriculum integration. | Solutions for drone operation, aviation curriculum, and flight simulation software. |
| Enhancing Robotics and Coding courses | Coordinating various robotics platforms and coding environments across multiple grade levels. | Integrated robotics kits, coding education platforms, and curriculum development services. | |
| Educational Technology Integrators | Expanding Digital Information Technology programs | Ensuring seamless functionality and compatibility of diverse digital tools for student use. | Software for digital literacy, project-based learning tools, and IT skill development platforms. |
| Student Information System (SIS) Integrators | Deploying new district-wide Focus SIS | Transitioning student data, training staff on new workflows, and ensuring data accuracy. | Data migration services, SIS training programs, and integration solutions for third-party tools. |
| Campus Network Infrastructure Providers | Upgrading LAN cabling for improved connectivity | Addressing aging infrastructure, increasing bandwidth demands, and maintaining network stability. | Network cabling solutions, managed WiFi services, and network security assessments. |
| Physical Security Systems Vendors | Modernizing fire alarm systems | Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and integrating new alert systems. | Fire alarm system installation, maintenance, and emergency response integration. |
| Data Analytics & Reporting Platforms | Implementing new district-wide Focus SIS | Generating accurate student performance and attendance reports from the new system. | Customizable dashboard solutions, data visualization tools, and compliance reporting software. |
| Student Engagement Platforms | Supporting advanced academic programs | Maintaining student motivation and tracking progress in accelerated and elective courses. | Online learning modules, academic competition platforms, and personalized learning tools. |
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Why Companies Should Consider Selling to Burns Middle School
- The school actively invests in Career and Technical Education programs, creating demand for specialized technology and curriculum.
- Hillsborough County Public Schools is undergoing significant operational technology modernizations, including a new student information system deployment, impacting all schools.
- There is ongoing district-level procurement activity for critical campus infrastructure and safety systems.
- The district's focus on facility upgrades indicates a supportive environment for school-level infrastructure enhancements.
- Burns Middle School emphasizes advanced academic opportunities, signaling a need for tools that support rigorous instruction and student acceleration.
1. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Expansion
What Burns Middle School Is Doing
Burns Middle School is expanding its Career and Technical Education offerings through programs such as Aerospace Technology, Robotics, Coding, and Digital Information Technology. These initiatives provide students with hands-on experience and prepare them for future academic and career paths. The Aerospace Technology program, for example, includes learning to fly drones and studying aviation history.
Key Buyer Personas
- Matthew Diprima, Principal
- Audrenita Blair, Assistant Principal for Curriculum (APC)
- Instructional Technology Coordinator
- Curriculum Director
Operational Challenges
- Integrating diverse technology platforms and equipment across various CTE courses may create compatibility issues.
- Maintaining and updating specialized equipment, such as drones and robotics kits, requires dedicated resources.
- Developing and aligning curriculum for new technology programs demands ongoing professional development for educators.
Relevant Company Categories for Burns Middle School
- STEM Robotics Kits
- Drone Education Systems
- Coding Curriculum Platforms
- Digital Literacy Software
- Virtual Reality Learning Tools
Relevant Companies
RobotLAB — Provides robots and STEAM solutions for education.
Relevant for: Supplying robotics kits and integrated curriculum for hands-on learning in CTE programs.
Drone Blocks — Offers a coding platform for drone education, integrating block-based and Python coding with drone control.
Relevant for: Providing specialized software and curriculum to support the Aerospace Technology program's drone operations and coding components.
VirtualJobShadow — Delivers career exploration and planning tools through video and interactive content.
Relevant for: Supporting students in CTE pathways with virtual reality career exploration systems, aligning with district procurement for VR training.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Noticed Burns Middle School expanding their Aerospace Technology and Robotics programs.
Schools rolling out advanced CTE initiatives often encounter challenges with integrating specialized equipment and ensuring a consistent learning experience.
Many districts are exploring integrated platforms that combine hardware, software, and curriculum to streamline deployment. Can share some approaches if valuable."
2. Student Information System (SIS) Deployment
What Burns Middle School Is Doing
Hillsborough County Public Schools is deploying a new student information system (Focus) across all schools, including Burns Middle School. This district-wide initiative aims to replace the previous system and provide a more reliable platform for managing student data, attendance, and reporting for the 2026 school year.
Key Buyer Personas
- Matthew Diprima, Principal
- Jason Dorray, Assistant Principal for Administration (APA)
- District Director of Technology
- Student Information Systems Manager
Operational Challenges
- Migrating historical student data from the old system to the new platform may cause inconsistencies.
- Ensuring all staff members are proficient in using the new SIS for daily tasks requires extensive training and support.
- Integrating the new SIS with existing third-party educational applications may create data synchronization issues.
Relevant Company Categories for Burns Middle School
- Student Information System (SIS) Consultants
- Data Migration Services
- Staff Training Solutions
- SIS Integration Platforms
- K-12 Data Security Providers
Relevant Companies
PowerSchool — Offers comprehensive student information systems and unified classroom platforms.
Relevant for: Providing modules for student data management and integrating with the district's new Focus SIS for extended functionalities.
Skyward — Delivers K-12 school administrative software for student management, finance, and human resources.
Relevant for: Supporting the district's SIS deployment with expertise in data handling and ensuring smooth operational transitions.
Navigate360 — Provides school safety software solutions, including visitor management and threat assessment.
Relevant for: Ensuring student data privacy and security within the new SIS, and integrating with broader school safety initiatives.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Recognized Hillsborough County Public Schools' initiative to deploy a new Focus student information system for the 2026 school year.
Districts transitioning to new SIS platforms frequently face coordination gaps in data migration and extensive staff training needs.
Some education leaders are finding success by focusing on early and comprehensive user adoption strategies to mitigate operational friction. Happy to discuss successful implementation patterns."
3. Campus Safety and Network Infrastructure Upgrades
What Burns Middle School Is Doing
Hillsborough County Public Schools is actively procuring services for CCTV-LAN cabling and new fire alarm systems. These district-level initiatives aim to enhance campus safety measures and upgrade network infrastructure across schools like Burns Middle School. These upgrades ensure a secure environment and robust connectivity for all educational activities.
Key Buyer Personas
- Jason Dorray, Assistant Principal for Administration (APA)
- Director of Facilities
- Network Infrastructure Manager
- Campus Security Lead
Operational Challenges
- Coordinating installation schedules for new cabling and fire alarm systems to minimize disruption to school operations.
- Ensuring new security and network components integrate with existing campus management systems.
- Maintaining consistent network performance and security across older and newly upgraded sections of the campus.
Relevant Company Categories for Burns Middle School
- Physical Security Systems
- Campus Network Solutions
- Fire Safety Systems Integrators
- Video Surveillance Providers
- Access Control Systems
Relevant Companies
Axis Communications — Offers network cameras and video surveillance solutions for educational institutions.
Relevant for: Providing surveillance equipment to enhance campus security as part of infrastructure upgrades.
Siemens Smart Infrastructure — Delivers fire safety, security, and building automation systems.
Relevant for: Supplying and installing advanced fire alarm systems and integrating them with broader campus safety platforms.
Cisco Meraki — Provides cloud-managed IT solutions including WiFi, switching, and security.
Relevant for: Upgrading campus LAN infrastructure to support increased digital demands and improve network reliability and security.
Sample Outbound Angle
"Observed Hillsborough County Public Schools' recent procurement for CCTV-LAN cabling and fire alarm systems.
Schools undertaking significant campus infrastructure upgrades often encounter operational challenges with system integration and minimizing disruption during deployment.
Many facilities teams are prioritizing phased rollouts and comprehensive system audits to ensure seamless transitions. Can share insights on managing complex upgrades effectively."
Final Take
Burns Middle School is actively modernizing its instructional and operational environments through expanded Career and Technical Education programs and district-led technology rollouts. Significant operational pressure exists in integrating new STEM technologies, managing a new student information system, and coordinating campus safety and network infrastructure upgrades.
Vendors can effectively position solutions that address these specific integration, training, and maintenance challenges. Opportunities exist in specialized educational technology for CTE, robust SIS implementation support, and advanced campus safety and network infrastructure solutions that ensure seamless and secure school operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Burns Middle School's current technology initiatives? Burns Middle School is expanding Career and Technical Education with programs in Aerospace Technology, Robotics, Coding, and Digital Information Technology.
Who are the key technology decision-makers at Burns Middle School? The Principal, Assistant Principals, and district-level technology leadership influence technology purchasing and implementation for Burns Middle School.
Has Burns Middle School received recent funding for modernization? While direct school-level funding is not specified, Hillsborough County Public Schools has recent procurements for VR equipment, new SIS deployment, and campus safety upgrades impacting Burns Middle School.
What operational challenges does Burns Middle School face with new technology? Challenges include integrating diverse specialized equipment, ensuring staff proficiency with new systems, and coordinating infrastructure upgrades to minimize disruption.
Are there opportunities for educational software vendors at Burns Middle School? Yes, particularly for software supporting STEM education, digital literacy, and platforms that integrate with the new district-wide student information system.