Superintendents constantly take stock of their districts’ technology landscape—what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next. But as superintendents noted during the edLeader Panel “Leading and Sustaining Technology Innovations in Today’s School District Settings,” the scope of that is overwhelming. That’s why they shouldn’t do it alone. Based on key findings from CoSN’s U.S. State of EdTech 2026 report, the panelists offered their strategies for managing the ever-changing edtech landscape.
Presented by Dr. Teresa Brown, Superintendent, Madison Consolidated Schools (IN); Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar, Superintendent, Desert Sands Unified School District (CA); Dr. Nick Polyak, Superintendent, Leyden High School District 212 (IL); and Paula Maylahn, Education Industry Consultant, Project Director, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
Each year, CoSN conducts a national survey among education technology leaders to assess the current state of technology innovation across multiple school systems. Five specific current challenges were identified in the 2024 survey results: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Student Well-Being, Digital Equity, and Interoperability.
Presented by Dr. Matthew Friedman, Superintendent of Schools, Quakertown Community School District (PA); Paula Maylahn, Project Director, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking); Dr. Michael Nagler, Superintendent, Mineola Union Free School District (NY); and Dr. Avis Williams, Superintendent, NOLA Public Schools (LA)
Educators and students working together is the cornerstone of inclusive innovation. During the edLeader Panel “Inclusive Innovation: How School Districts Can Unlock the Power of R&D to Create Transformative Solutions,” superintendents from school districts across the country that are part of Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools shared how they are using research and development (R&D) as part of inclusive innovation.
Presented by Dr. Michelle Miller, Superintendent, South Fayette Township School District (PA); Dr. Michael Nagler, Superintendent, Mineola Union Free School District (NY); Dr. Julie Mitchell, Superintendent, Rowland Unified School District (CA); Dr. Baron Davis, Senior Advisor, Digital Promise; and Kimberly Smith, Chief Inclusive Innovation Officer, Digital Promise
How to balance student outcomes with budgets is a challenge for district leaders. It is especially true regarding smart IT decisions impacting all school district aspects.
Presented by Dr. Chris Gaines, Superintendent, Mehlville School District (MO); and Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar, Superintendent, Desert Sands Unified School District (CA)
Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative
Since 2016, CoSN has been honoring innovative school districts that address digital equity. This year, the prestigious Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity was awarded to Louisa County Public Schools in Virginia.
Presented by Doug Straley, Division Superintendent, Louisa County Public Schools (VA); David Childress, Director of Technology, Louisa County Public Schools (VA); Kenny Bouwens, Director of CTE/STEAM and Innovation, Louisa County Public Schools (VA); and Keith Krueger, Chief Executive Officer, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative