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This edLeader Panel is presented by CoSN and AASA.
Sponsored by ClassLink

“Driving K-12 Innovation: Tech Enablers” is the second in a two-part edLeader Panel series where top superintendents address CoSN’s 2025 Driving K-12 Innovation report and how technology is revolutionizing education. Part 1 examined the Hurdles and Accelerators shaping today’s education landscape, while Part 2 focused on Technology Enablers—the tools helping get schools and students future ready.

Three superintendent trailblazers shared concrete examples of how these enablers are being put into practice, lessons learned, and what other leaders need to know about:

• Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Analytics and Adaptive Technologies
• Untethered Broadband and Connectivity

The superintendents shared hands-on strategies and practical advice for district and school leaders looking to bring together innovation, technology, and teaching to drive next-gen learning.

Leading During a Tech Revolution—What to Know

Four big takeaways emerged for future-ready leaders figuring out how to make technology work for their schools.

1. Prepare for Innovation

Arguably, the education system is experiencing the most radical modernization of our lifetime. Leaders must equip both students and teachers with the right technology tools, and ensure all students have access and understanding to make the most of them.

“It’s 2025 learning. And I think we need to push the envelope a little bit more on how we can redevelop the system. We can talk about how easy it is to take away a technology device, whether it’s a phone or AI, but when or how do we continue to evolve the system to assist us moving forward?” said Glenn Robbins, Superintendent of Brigantine Public School District (NJ).

To be effective, the panelists advised leaders to balance vision, policy, and practical implementation. Reaching that balance takes more than individual drive. Today’s district administrators also need coaching, mentorship, and learning from peers.

2. Lean into AI’s Role in Education

Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent of Durango School District (CO), said employers in her area provided a wake-up call, explaining why students need responsible AI skills to be career ready. “AI is not going to take over all the jobs, but people who know how to use AI are going to take over the jobs from people who don’t know,” she said.

The panelists recommend starting with clear guidance and policies so teachers and students have parameters for using generative AI effectively in the classroom. It’s also a discussion for the board level—”What ethical policies do we need to have in place to make sure that we’re safeguarding the organization as a whole?” said Robbins.

Desert Sands Unified School District created both a comprehensive AI guidance document and a decision-making framework. The initiative is “really rooted in our district values and in our mission statement,” and offers the tools to empower AI innovation ethically, explained Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar, Superintendent of Desert Sands Unified School District (CA). A toolkit for other district leaders to replicate the process is available on the Desert Sands Unified District website.

3. Shift the Perception of Technology as an Add-On

No longer can schools and districts adopt new tools without a clear vision. Identifying purpose and a mission for how technology will support teaching and learning must be front and center. “We’re not doing technology for technology’s sake,” said Dr. Cheser.

This approach means regularly checking what’s effective, letting go of what’s not, and making sure every tool truly supports student learning. Strong, relevant data can be critical, giving educators and leaders insight—and the confidence to phase out tools or initiatives that aren’t delivering results.

4. Expand the Definition of Digital Equity and Access

Part 1 revealed that digital equity now extends beyond untethering broadband access. The equity umbrella also covers how districts are adapting learning so it can be personalized for all students. Leaders can embrace analytics and unique ways to use data.

For example, Dr. Cheser said her district uses a digital platform to “visualize in one place where our students are, what their social-emotional screener demonstrates, what their academics are showing, their behavior, their attendance, their MTSS data.” Teachers, students, and parents now make more informed decisions for personalizing goals and adapting learning for every student.

Brigantine Public School District in New Jersey may become the first school in the U.S. to try a pod-like area for sensory regulation to help the most vulnerable learners. It’s similar to a sensory room, but with more advanced features. It “actually records and takes notes and data of those particular learners to help them in the future,” said Robbins.

Watch the Part 2 recording to learn more ways in which the districts are innovation focused, using practical tools to redefine learning. Plus, check out Part 1 for the Hurdles and Accelerators shaping today’s education landscape. You can read the article on Part 1 here.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Driving K-12 Innovation: Tech Enablers (Part 2), presented by CoSN and AASA, and sponsored by ClassLink.

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Join the Community

Super-Connected is a free professional learning community for school superintendents, district leadership, and aspiring district leaders.

AASA is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill.

CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community, best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education.

ClassLink is a global education provider of identity and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement. As leading advocates for open data standards, we offer instant access to apps and files with single sign-on, streamline class rostering, automate account provisioning, and provide actionable analytics. ClassLink empowers 19 million students and staff in over 2,500 school systems. Visit classlink.com to learn more.