2025 Chronology Identity Automation

AID 1779032 · View on Simbli

Agenda Item

d. Identity Automation Approval (not to exceed $291,225)

Summary: Presented by: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information and Instructional Technology
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the request to utilize the services of Identity Automation not to exceed $291,225. This amount includes a one-time cost of $64,000 for professional services.
Why: The purpose of this request is to allow the Division of Instructional & Information Technology (DIIT) to utilize Identity Automation for identity lifecycle management to enhance the overall security posture of the district.
Details: RapidIdentity automates the entire lifecycle of user identities, from creation to deactivation. This ensures that users have the appropriate access at all times, reducing the administrative burden on IT staff and minimizing the risk of human error.
Financial impact: $291,225
General Fund
100.2800.530000.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000 100.2800.553200.00011.7600.9990.0308.070.0000
Contact: Dr. Kermit Belcher, Chief Information Officer, Division of Information & Instructional Technology, 678.676.1274
Effective: June 2025
Status: Approved by Legal Affairs
Chronology: Identity Automation’s Rapid Identity
DeKalb County School District requires a robust, automated, and scalable identity management
solution to enhance security, streamline operations, and support growth. Currently, the district
relies on a homegrown system with custom scripting, which is dependent on a single staff
member for maintenance and support. If this staff member were to leave, it would create a
significant void, leaving the district vulnerable to operational disruptions and security risks.
Identity Automation’s RapidIdentity Lifecycle Management provides a comprehensive,
enterprise-grade solution to address these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability.

Key Benefits of RapidIdentity

   1.​ Automated Provisioning & Deprovisioning​
       RapidIdentity ensures seamless, real-time account creation and removal based on
       MUNIS ERP data, reducing manual work and eliminating security risks from inactive
       accounts.
   2.​ Faster Onboarding & Role-Based Access​
       New hires gain immediate access to the systems they need, enhancing productivity and
       ensuring consistent, role-based permissions across platforms.
   3.​ Enhanced Security & Compliance​
       With role-based access controls, automatic deprovisioning, and real-time
       synchronization, RapidIdentity improves security posture and ensures compliance with
       FERPA and other regulations.
   4.​ Scalability & Future-Readiness​
       As a cloud-based, enterprise solution, RapidIdentity seamlessly integrates with existing
       systems and supports future security enhancements like MFA and SSO, ensuring
       long-term sustainability.
   5.​ Reduced IT Burden & Vendor Support​
       With automated workflows, and dedicated vendor support, IT staff can focus on
       strategic initiatives instead of manual identity management tasks.

Investing in RapidIdentity will modernize identity management, improve security, automate
critical workflows, and ensure a seamless user experience for students and staff. This solution
will enhance operational efficiency and support the district’s long-term technology strategy.

The current process for user provisioning is limited in scope, prone to errors, and requires
significant maintenance and oversight. RapidIdentity’s comprehensive features and automation
capabilities will offer a more efficient, secure, and scalable solution for identity lifecycle
management.
Financial Impact

 YEAR              Current Process          RapidIdentity
                   Cost                     Implementation Cost
 2025              n/a Manual Process       $227,225 (Annual Subscription)
                                            $64,000 (Professional Services)
                                    Total   $291,225