How Johnston County Public Schools Achieves Their Goal of Less than 1% Device Loss  

Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS), located in Smithfield, North Carolina, is committed to pursuing excellence. By 2029, the district aims to rank within the top 20% of all school districts in North Carolina. Already, 23 of its 52 sites achieved top 20% academic growth during the 2023-2024 school year. Notably, JCPS is one of just 12 districts in the state to surpass pre-pandemic academic growth in 2023-2024. 

A crucial factor in this success is the district’s commitment to providing students with access to technology. Managing its extensive inventory – which includes 60,000 Chromebooks, 15,000 PCs, and 15,000 laptops – was once a formidable challenge, particularly during the pandemic, when significant losses impacted operations. 

Today, thanks to the efforts of Michelle Turnage, Technology Officer, and Barb Ivey, Asset and Resource Manager, JCPS has turned the tide. Using Follett Destiny® Resource Manager, the district achieved its ambitious goal of less than 1% device loss, ensuring that every student has the tools they need for academic success while protecting and optimizing the district’s budget. 

Streamlining State Testing and Audit Management 

State-mandated testing in North Carolina requires up-to-date and accessible devices for every student. Destiny Resource Manager empowers JCPS to meet these requirements by offering real-time insights into device inventory. 

With a few clicks, Michelle Turnage can identify the location, usage history, purchase date, and condition of any device. This visibility also simplifies compliance with state audits and funding requirements. For example, during a recent ESSER funding audit, Destiny Resource Manager made item tracking and report generation seamless. Ongoing state audits are now efficiently managed through the platform’s dashboard, which offers a comprehensive view of all assets and their life cycles. 

Enhancing Customer Service and Support 

Michelle emphasizes the invaluable support she’s received from Follett Software. Her collaboration with a dedicated Customer Relationship Manager has allowed her to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities. 

When Michelle joined JCPS, device inventory was inconsistent across schools, with some students lacking access due to uneven distribution. After completing a district-wide inventory and establishing standardized best practices, JCPS appointed a certified technology assistant at every school. Today, all devices are accounted for, and Michelle continues to rely on Follett Software’s responsive support to troubleshoot issues and maintain success. 

Fostering Accountability Through a Cultural Shift 

“We changed the culture,” says Barb, describing the district’s approach to retrieving missing devices. 

Achieving less than 1% device loss required a collaborative effort involving teachers, staff, parents, and students. The district implemented a proactive strategy of sending letters and emails to remind families of the importance of returning devices. Teachers and staff are now empowered to communicate directly with parents, ensuring accountability and fostering a shared commitment to the district’s goals. 

A Tool for Transformation 

Destiny Resource Manager has proven to be “life-changing,” according to Michelle. Beyond device management, the platform has supported broader success metrics for JCPS. 

Over recent years, the district’s graduation rate has risen by more than 13%, while its dropout rate has dropped by 50%. JCPS serves a richly diverse student population, with over 45 languages spoken by students and families. By providing equitable access to technology, the district empowers students to thrive in a global society. 

Discover The Benefits of Destiny Resource Manager 

Are you ready to reduce device losses, improve management, and achieve cost savings in your district? Destiny Resource Manager is your solution. Watch a demo today!