The challenge:
Aging infrastructure and rising cybersecurity threats
When COVID-era demands accelerated digital learning and online testing, Cucamonga School District faced mounting pressure on an aging technology environment. With a small IT staff responsible for all district systems, Director of IT Bobby Applegate knew that the infrastructure—particularly servers and backup systems—was reaching end of life and becoming increasingly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.
At the same time, ransomware attacks across education were sharply rising. “We were getting more and more concerned with the ransomware things that were going on,” Applegate recalled.
The district needed to modernize quickly, but funding, staffing capacity, and the complexity of navigating federal dollars created additional challenges.
Then, just two weeks before their new secure data repository was scheduled to go live, the district was hit with a ransomware attack. The event forced the district offline during the last two days of school and required weeks of restoration and investigation. Although no data was breached, the experience underscored the urgent need for stronger protection and a resilient infrastructure foundation.
Cucamonga turned to C1, seeking a partner that could guide them not only through immediate updates, but through long-term modernization with secure, scalable, future-ready solutions.
250+ districtwide wireless access points
180+ new APs installed during refresh
Full data center modernization with VxRail
Ransomware exposure reduced dramatically with secure data recovery
The solution:
Modernized data center, secure cyber recovery, and districtwide wireless refresh
Working collaboratively, C1 designed and implemented a comprehensive modernization strategy aligned to the district’s operational needs, constraints, and long-term vision. C1 replaced the district’s aging server environment with a Dell VxRail hyperconverged data center, delivering a resilient, simplified, and highly secure foundation for mission-critical systems.
To strengthen cybersecurity posture, C1 Professional Services implemented a secure data repository, providing an isolated, immutable backup architecture designed to withstand ransomware events.
C1 also executed a districtwide Wi-Fi 6 wireless refresh, installing more than 180 new access points and modernizing connectivity across classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and administrative areas. Additional network projects included Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDF) upgrades, access point expansions, and large-scale switching deployments to support remodeled and newly constructed facilities.
Throughout every phase, C1 served as an extension of the IT team—anticipating needs, asking strategic questions, and bringing forward proactive recommendations. “They ask questions I don’t think to ask,” Applegate noted. “They’re always a step ahead, and that brings things to my awareness that I need to plan for.”
The result:
Strengthened security, reliable connectivity, and a future-ready IT environment
With C1’s partnership, Cucamonga School District now operates on a stable, secure, and forward-looking technology foundation. The modernized VxRail data center improves performance, simplifies administration, and provides the scalability needed to support digital learning, online testing, and district operations. Secure data repository delivers confidence that critical systems and student data are protected against ransomware and recoverable in the event of a cyber incident.
The districtwide wireless upgrade transformed connectivity for both students and teachers. With nearly 250 indoor and outdoor access points, the district now supports flexible learning environments—including outdoor instruction—and provides reliable access across campuses.
Beyond the technical results, the district values C1’s strategic partnership. “For me, C1 is Don Dykier and Zeina Ammar [account team members]—it’s the relationship building that matters,” Applegate said. “They’re not just calling to sell something. They guide where we want to go and help us plan what’s next.”
As the district explores future initiatives—including campus access control and safe-schools technology—C1 continues to serve as a trusted advisor. “You’re not only helping with what I’m dealing with now; you’re helping us think ahead and prepare for what’s coming next.”
Download the pdf here.
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