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2026 INCTO Clinic has ended

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Thursday, May 7
 

8:00am EDT

Registration and Breakfast provided by NSI
Fuel up and get checked in! Start your morning on the right note by heading to the registration desk to pick up your badge and welcome materials. Once you’re all set, join us in the main hall for a spread of fresh breakfast options and gourmet coffee.
It’s the perfect time to:
  • Check-in: Skip the rush and get your credentials early.
  • Network: Connect with fellow attendees and speakers before the day begins.
  • Charge up: Grab a bite and find your preferred seat in the auditorium.

Thursday May 7, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center 13700 Conference Center Drive South Noblesville, Indiana 46060

8:30am EDT

Welcome - With Diamond Partner Five Star Technology Solutions
Thursday May 7, 2026 8:30am - 8:40am EDT
Kick off the Indiana CTO Clinic with a high-energy welcome that sets the tone for EdTech Leadership, Amplified. This opening blends storytelling, reflection, and a powerful call to action, challenging leaders to step out of the background and into visible, impactful leadership. Expect energy, connection, and a bold start to two days of learning and community.
Speakers
avatar for Nathan Davidson

Nathan Davidson

Vice President of Partnerships, Five Star Technology Solutions

avatar for Chantell Manahan

Chantell Manahan

Director of Technology, MSD of Steuben County
Dr. Chantell Manahan is the Director of Technology for MSD of Steuben County and serves as Chair of the Indiana CTO Council and Treasurer of the CoSN Board. A former classroom teacher turned systems leader, she focuses on building practical, people-centered edtech systems that reduce... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 8:30am - 8:40am EDT
Waters ABC

8:40am EDT

Opening Keynote - Special Guest Hamish Brewer
Thursday May 7, 2026 8:40am - 9:40am EDT

Speakers
avatar for Hamish Brewer

Hamish Brewer

The Tattooed Principal

Thursday May 7, 2026 8:40am - 9:40am EDT
Waters ABC

9:40am EDT

Transition

Thursday May 7, 2026 9:40am - 9:50am EDT
Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center 13700 Conference Center Drive South Noblesville, Indiana 46060

9:50am EDT

What's Next in AI: A Fireside Chat for Indiana Technology Leaders
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
AI is evolving fast, and the gap between "what's happening in the broader tech world" and "what's actually useful in schools" can be hard to navigate. This fireside chat brings Indiana technology directors into an open, peer-driven conversation about the AI tools and trends generating the most buzz right now and what they actually mean for classrooms, staff, and students.

We'll start by grounding the conversation in what participants are already seeing and experimenting with in their own districts. From there, we'll explore emerging capabilities like agentic AI, AI-assisted coding, and knowledge management tools, the real risks that come with unsanctioned AI tools and browser extensions in schools, and talk through how these translate into practical applications that support teachers and learners, not just IT departments.

Expect a candid, collaborative discussion rather than a product pitch. Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of where AI is headed, how other Indiana leaders are thinking about it, and a framework for evaluating new capabilities as they arrive.
Speakers
avatar for Kurt Beer

Kurt Beer

Account Executive, MagicSchool

avatar for Karisa Schwanekamp

Karisa Schwanekamp

Solution Architect, MagicSchoolAI
 Karisa Schwanekamp is a Solutions Architect at MagicSchool, where she partners with school districts to implement AI tools that are practical, purposeful, and grounded in real classroom needs. A former educator of 21 years spanning special education, elementary education, STEM... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Megan Tolin

Dr. Megan Tolin

Account Executive, MagicSchool
Dr. Megan Tolin is passionate about leveraging technology to support both teachers and students—especially when it comes to sparking creativity, increasing accessibility, and designing meaningful, relevant learning experiences. She truly loves helping educators with technology integration... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Stoney Creek B

9:50am EDT

Rebuilding Together: A Shared Services Model for District Technology
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Discover how a strategic shared-services agreement can revitalize district infrastructure while optimizing fiscal resources. In this session, Superintendent Trent McCormick and Technology Director Ben Burris share their firsthand experience rebuilding technology departments across multiple districts.
The presenters will break down the dual benefits of this model: achieving significant cost savings for school corporations while providing increased compensation for the director. Burris will provide a deep dive into the operational logistics of managing two distinct districts simultaneously, while McCormick offers the administrative perspective on overseeing a shared-services agreement from the superintendent?s office.
Key Takeaways:
The Financial Win-Win: Learn how to structure an agreement that reduces district overhead while offering a more competitive salary for top-tier talent.
Operational Logistics: Strategies for managing dual calendars, distinct staff cultures, and competing technical priorities without burnout.
Administrative Oversight: Guidance for Superintendents on drafting, implementing, and evaluating a shared-services contract.
Scalable Infrastructure: How to use shared leadership to standardize and modernize technology across district lines.
Speakers
avatar for Ben Burris

Ben Burris

Director of Technology, Western Wayne Schools
Benjamin Burris is an accomplished technology leader with over a decade of experience driving digital transformation in Indiana education. He currently serves as the Director of Technology for Western Wayne Schools and a Technology Consultant for the East Central Educational Serv... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Waters E

9:50am EDT

Help! I'm New!
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
In this session, we'll discuss resources that are available for new or aspiring technology directors/CTO's. Bring your questions and together we'll explore how to achieve success in this critical role.
Speakers
avatar for Brad Hagg

Brad Hagg

Director of Educational Technology, Indiana Department of Education
Brad Hagg currently serves as the Director of Educational Technology in the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) in the areas of E-Rate, Cybersecurity, Connectivity, and Ed-Fi Data Modernization. He has worked in Indiana schools for over 22 years, serving as Director of Technology... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Ditslear C

9:50am EDT

Privacy in Partnership: Save Time and Secure Data with the Indiana Student Privacy Alliance
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Tired of the costly and repetitive cycle of negotiating EdTech privacy agreements? As digital tools multiply, protecting student data becomes more complex. Learn how Indiana schools are now working together to solve this problem.

This session introduces Indiana's Student Data Privacy Alliance (SDPA), a statewide collaborative designed to streamline student data privacy. You will see how the Educational Service Centers of Indiana (ESCI) have procured access to this powerful resource for all Indiana school districts. Using the national Access 4 Learning (A4L) framework, the Indiana SDPA provides a central registry of pre-negotiated vendor agreements that saves significant time and ensures consistent, high-quality data protection.

In this 1-hour workshop, you will learn how to:
Use the A4L/SDPC registry to end repetitive negotiations.
Calculate the time and money the alliance can save your district.
Navigate the platform to find vendors and access agreements.
Begin the simple onboarding process for your district.
Speakers
avatar for Darlene Kennedy

Darlene Kennedy

Director of Technology Integration, NIESC / NWIESC
Serving as Director of Technology Integration at two of our nine educational service centers (NIESC & NWIESC), I provide services and resources for K-12 edtech staff.  I am proud of my work within Indiana to keep edtech staff connected with other professionals, vendors and community... Read More →
avatar for Jenna Cooper

Jenna Cooper

Director of Technology & Innovation, Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC)
Jenna Cooper is the Director of Technology & Innovation at the Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC), supporting 35 member districts through strategic leadership in AI integration, professional development, and data privacy. With 15 years of experience in K-12 educational... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
William Conner

9:50am EDT

Data Democracy: Amplifying Impact Without the Six-Figure Price Tag
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Districts often fall into the "Data Rich, Information Poor" trap?investing tens of thousands in robust platforms that fail to drive actual change. This session shares the journey of moving away from underutilized, high-cost vendor solutions toward a custom, district-driven data ecosystem using Looker Studio. By leveraging accessible tools and AI-assisted workflows, any district can move past "spreadsheets of scores" to visual, actionable dashboards that teachers, administrators, and board members actually use.
We will explore the leadership strategy behind this shift, highlighting how data staff can bridge the gap between technical infrastructure and strategic planning. See real-world examples of custom dashboards used to navigate new Indiana math requirements, empower teachers to make impactful instructional decisions based on assessment data, automate at-risk student identification, and analyze enrollment and withdrawal trends to inform long-range capital planning. This isn't just a technical overview; it?s a blueprint for maximizing interoperability and sustainable infrastructure while prioritizing usability and high-level decision-making over costly contracts.
Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Thompson

Lindsey Thompson

Professional Development Director and Data Manager, Delaware Community Schools
Lindsey’s current career focus is data and professional development, with responsibilities ranging from SIS admin, state reporting and compliance, data, curriculum, and bringing all of those concepts together within her district. Before this role, she was a middle and high school... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Stoney Creek A

9:50am EDT

Relentless - A Deep Dive into Your Leadership & Educator Journey
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Relentless Leadership
Hamish Brewer is an award-winning leader and school turnaround expert who has turned around multiple schools, both at the elementary and secondary levels, working with some of the most at-risk students in America. Hamish will share his secrets to his success in this inspiring, high-octane presentation. Let's laser focus in on key areas for growth in your leadership journey, practices and processes that align to successful school and student outcomes. You will walk away with practical solutions and ideas to key education challenges around organizational improvement, closing the achievement gap, stakeholder engagement and culture and that will help you like Hamish has done to create an award-winning organization. Own your leadership and own your legacy!
Speakers
avatar for Hamish Brewer

Hamish Brewer

The Tattooed Principal

Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Waters D

9:50am EDT

Slow Productivity
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
The art of working at a natural pace to avoid burnout. We all have that pile of work that just never ends. We are problem solvers, but when everything is a problem; the tasks start to weigh on you. This course will help teach you some starting tools to be productive at a natural pace.
Speakers
Thursday May 7, 2026 9:50am - 10:40am EDT
Ditslear A

10:40am EDT

Transition

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:40am - 10:50am EDT
Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center 13700 Conference Center Drive South Noblesville, Indiana 46060

10:50am EDT

Amplify your Network Partner Exchange
Thursday May 7, 2026 10:50am - 11:20am EDT
Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it requires the right tools and the right partners. This is your dedicated time to move beyond the theory and get hands-on with the architects of the tech you use every day. Whether you’re looking to solve a specific infrastructure headache, explore the next generation of AI-driven security, or find sustainable 1:1 models, our partners are here to help you architect a solution. Grab a coffee, bring your toughest questions, and find the missing piece to your district’s puzzle.

Check out the slide show that features our partners and the solutions they provide.  Be sure to get your card stamped and fill it up for an entry into our give away on Friday afternoon.

Partner Map
Thursday May 7, 2026 10:50am - 11:20am EDT
Waters ABC

11:20am EDT

Lunch - Sponsored by Qubit
Thursday May 7, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm EDT
Good ideas happen in sessions, but the best collaborations happen over a meal. Take this time to step away from the screen, refuel, and connect with your peers from across the state. Whether you’re diving deeper into the morning’s AI discussions or catching up with an old colleague, this is your chance to "recharge" your social and physical batteries. Grab a plate, find a table, and let the conversations flow.
Thursday May 7, 2026 11:20am - 12:10pm EDT
Waters ABC

12:10pm EDT

Sustaining 1:1: Practical Strategies for Long-Term Success in a Post-Federal Funding Era
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
With federal pandemic relief funds no longer available to support technology programs, many school districts are confronting hard budget decisions about the future of their 1:1 device initiatives. As 1:1 programs matured rapidly during the pandemic, the expiration of this targeted funding has left leaders searching for sustainable paths forward. Districts are now exploring creative approaches to extend device lifecycles, secure alternative revenue streams, and integrate technology more effectively into day-to-day learning ? all while balancing tight budgets and growing expectations for digital access.

In this session, Secured Tech experts will share actionable insights and proven strategies for building sustainable 1:1 technology programs that support instruction, equity, and operational efficiency long into the future. Attendees will learn how districts are:
Extending device lifecycles and reducing costly replacements through smart repair and refresh planning. Reimagining funding models and workflows to support technology as an ongoing operational priority rather than a one-time purchase. Leveraging partnerships, process improvements, and proactive planning to align technology goals with district budgets and academic outcomes.

Whether your district is just beginning to rethink 1:1 sustainability or is already piloting new strategies, this session will provide practical guidance, real-world examples, and opportunities for peer conversation that empower you to keep technology working for students and educators without relying on temporary funding.
Speakers
avatar for Seth Hamilton

Seth Hamilton

Director of Technology, Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation


NH

Nate Holmes

CEO, Co-Founder, Secured Tech
Nate Holmes is the Co-Founder and CEO of Secured Tech, bringing years of leadership experience and a deep passion for education technology. Prior to founding Secured Tech, Nate served as the National Sales Manager at AppleCrossing, where he helped guide the company from its start-up... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Waters D

12:10pm EDT

DR with Scale Computing & ESI
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Learn about DR as-a-service with ESI for Scale Computing users.
Do you have Scale Computing or are you considering it as a VMware alternative?
Led by ESI in partnership with Scale Computing & Dell Technologies.
Speakers
KK

Kyle Kent

Chief Technology Officer, Electronic Strategies, INC
Kyle Kent : CTO and Solution Architect at Electronic Strategies, Inc.
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Stoney Creek A

12:10pm EDT

8 Critical Audits to Protect Your Network
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
K-12 technology teams are being asked to do more than ever, all while managing increasing cybersecurity and student safety risks.

In this session, we'll walk through eight critical audits every district should be running across Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 to uncover hidden vulnerabilities and gain better visibility into daily activity.

We?ll explore real-world risks like third-party app access, suspicious logins, unsafe file sharing, phishing attempts, inappropriate student behavior, VPN usage, and device-related concerns. You?ll learn how to spot these issues early and take action before they escalate.

You'll leave with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to strengthen compliance, speed up investigations, and take a more proactive approach to protecting both data and students.

Whether your priority is security, safety, or visibility, this session will give you actionable insights you can start using right away.
Speakers
MT

Morgan Thompson

Account Executive, ManagedMethods
Morgan Thompson is an Account Executive at ManagedMethods based in Ohio, where she focuses on building valuable, long-lasting relationships with customers, business partners, and team members to build a more secure cyber world for students and school districts. She believes that access... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Waters E

12:10pm EDT

Fully Engaged: Clarity, Oversight, and Peace of Mind Through Digital Unification
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Consolidation is key to creating a seamless, high-impact digital environment. For today's district leaders, managing a patchwork of tools from websites to attendance point solutions can create barriers to engagement and limit visibility across systems. A unified approach allows districts to move beyond disconnected workflows and create more consistent, meaningful experiences for families.

In this session, district leaders will share how unifying web presence, attendance interventions, online payments, and phone calling into a single platform improves engagement and oversight across the district. You'll explore how consolidation simplifies the family experience, improves clarity for staff, and supports responsible data practices, while turning your technology ecosystem into a powerful tool for connection and student success.
Speakers
AH

Austin Harfst

Regional Sales Manager, ParentSquare
Austin Harfst is a Regional Sales Manager at ParentSquare, currently in his fourth year supporting districts across the country. He is passionate about building strong district partnerships, fostering meaningful family engagement, and supporting student success through clear, effective... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Ditslear A

12:10pm EDT

Eliminate Back-to-School Chaos with Automated Identity Management: A OneSync Success Story with Matt Melton from Portage Township Schools
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Back-to-school doesn't have to mean long hours spent creating, updating, and disabling accounts. In this session, discover how ClassLink's OneSync simplifies identity and access management by automating account provisioning across AD, Google, and Microsoft environments.

Join us for a real-world conversation with Matt Melton from Portage Township Schools as he shares how his team streamlined onboarding and offboarding, reduced manual workload, and improved data accuracy and security with OneSync.

Whether you're looking to optimize your current systems or start fresh, this session will provide practical insights you can take back to your district.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Melton

Matt Melton

Director of Technology and Data Services, Portage Township Schools

avatar for Jill Coss

Jill Coss

Director of Instructional Technology, ClassLink
Jill Coss is the Director of Instructional Technology at ClassLink, where she’s spent the past six years helping schools implement innovative technology to help maximize instructional time and streamline processes. With over 20 years of experience in customer service—including... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
William Conner

12:10pm EDT

The MagicSchoolAI Setlist: What CTOs Need to Play Next
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
With AI tools multiplying fast, CTOs are being asked to evaluate, implement, and secure platforms at a pace that can feel like improv. This session breaks down the key tracks every technology leader should have on their setlist ? from vetting tools and managing data privacy to building buy-in with instructional leaders and the board.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Megan Tolin

Dr. Megan Tolin

Account Executive, MagicSchool
Dr. Megan Tolin is passionate about leveraging technology to support both teachers and students—especially when it comes to sparking creativity, increasing accessibility, and designing meaningful, relevant learning experiences. She truly loves helping educators with technology integration... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Ditslear C

12:10pm EDT

Building Your Security Grand Plan One Piece at a Time
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Most school security upgrades happen in pieces: one project at a time, often driven by immediate needs, limited budgets, or vendor recommendations. The result? Systems that don't fully connect, wasted resources, and plans that unintentionally move backward instead of forward.

In this session, Dave Hadley and Kyle McKinley with WNS Security sit down with Jamie Ramos from Carroll Consolidated School Corporation to share a more effective approach that has worked for this decades-old partnership.

Together, they'll walk through how to assess your current environment, develop a long-term security roadmap, and prioritize improvements in a way that aligns with real-world school budgets. Instead of chasing one-off solutions, you'll learn how to create a grand plan that allows you to implement upgrades in phases without sacrificing strategy or security.

You'll hear directly from both the technical and school leadership perspectives on:

  • What a practical security assessment should include
  • How to design a plan that grows with your funding
  • How long-term partnerships lead to better outcomes

If you're responsible for school safety and tired of reacting instead of planning, this session will give you a clearer path forward.
Speakers
avatar for Jamie Ramos

Jamie Ramos

Director of Technology, Carroll Consolidated School Corporation
I serve as the Director of Technology for Carroll Consolidated School Corporation in Indiana, where I focus on building secure, scalable systems that support teaching and learning. With over two decades in K–12 technology leadership, I’ve led initiatives like 1:1 student device... Read More →
avatar for Dave Hadley

Dave Hadley

President, Wireless Networking Solutions/WNS Security
Dave Hadley built Wireless Networking Solutions and WNS Security, which specialize in security solutions that include Video Surveillance Systems, Access Control, cell phone boosters, and Video Analytic Software. With a hands-on approach to leadership, Dave has fostered strong, lasting... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 12:10pm - 12:40pm EDT
Ditslear B

12:40pm EDT

Transition

Thursday May 7, 2026 12:40pm - 12:50pm EDT
Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center 13700 Conference Center Drive South Noblesville, Indiana 46060

12:50pm EDT

Fireside Chat - ParentSquare: Utilizing Data, Analytics, and AI to Increase Parent Engagement
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
What role does data, analytics, and AI play in improving parent engagement? In this session, we will cover how your school or district leverages these tools to ensure that you are engaging all families. We will cover how to use real-time data to drive decisions and improve contactability. We will also discuss how to utilize reporting and dashboards to discern what messages are most effective and pinpoint areas for improvement. Finally, we will discuss how your teams are using generative AI to draft or refine messaging, translate content to improve accessibility, and enhance engagement, while balancing the need for a human touch.

Sponsors
avatar for Austin Harfst

Austin Harfst

Regional Sales Manager, ParentSquare

Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Stoney Creek A

12:50pm EDT

Amplifying the Invisible Work: Practical Communication Fixes for CTOs
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Many of the challenges that land on our desks are not technology failures, but confusion failures: families who miss key steps, staff who misunderstand expectations, or communities who don't see the work happening behind the scenes. These gaps create risk, rework, and erosion of trust, often without anyone realizing where the breakdown occurred.

In this practical, Monday-morning-ready session, participants will explore how everyday edtech systems either reduce confusion or unintentionally multiply it. Using familiar examples from AI guidance, data privacy communication, cybersecurity processes, enrollment workflows, and support systems, this session reframes visibility and amplification as infrastructure, embedded in the systems and workflows leaders already manage.

Attendees will walk through an "amplification check" to identify where messages get distorted, delayed, or lost, and will leave having identified one concrete system or workflow they can clarify or improve immediately. The focus is on strengthening consistency and building trust through intentional system design, so the work of edtech leadership is understood, supported, and sustained.


Partner Map
Speakers
avatar for Chantell Manahan

Chantell Manahan

Director of Technology, MSD of Steuben County
Dr. Chantell Manahan is the Director of Technology for MSD of Steuben County and serves as Chair of the Indiana CTO Council and Treasurer of the CoSN Board. A former classroom teacher turned systems leader, she focuses on building practical, people-centered edtech systems that reduce... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Ditslear B

12:50pm EDT

TLE Cohort Collaboration meeting
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
For those who are a part of the TLE Cohort for Indiana Cohort, this will be a productive face to face time of working towards the TLE Seal application.

For those interested come and chat about why student data privacy best practices in can become a focus of your district in the areas of your Leadership, Business, PD, Data Security and Classroom practices.
https://www.cosn.org/edtech-topics/trusted-learning-environment/
Speakers
avatar for Andrew Swickheimer

Andrew Swickheimer

Executive Director of Technology, Noblesville Schools

avatar for Kate Masterson

Kate Masterson

Assistant Director of Digital Security & Privacy, Carmel Clay Schools
avatar for Christi Cloud

Christi Cloud

Technology Director, Carmel Clay Schools
avatar for Dan Layton

Dan Layton

Tech Team Member, Zionsville Community Schools
Dan Layton is CTO of Zionsville Community Schools and has been in his current role for 10 years. Dan is a member of the INCTO council and was awarded the H.E.C.C CTO of the year award in 2018.
avatar for Pete Just

Pete Just

Executive Director, Indiana CTO Council
Pete Just, CETL, CCRE Pete is the Executive Director of the Indiana CTO Council and serves as CoSN’s Subject Matter Expert and Project Director on AI. He retired in 2022 as CTO/COO of MSD Wayne Township after 24 years of leadership. A former educator and Indiana University adjunct... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
William Conner

12:50pm EDT

Cybersecurity Governance That Works: Real-World Incident Response for Schools
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
When a cyber incident hits your district, there's no time for improvisation: leaders need a clear playbook and the confidence to take the stage. In this interactive session, technology directors will work through a practical incident response template designed specifically for K-12 schools.

Using straightforward guidance and facilitated discussion, participants will begin outlining key roles, response steps, communication pathways, and financial safeguards needed to lead their district through a cyber crisis. Emphasis will be placed on governance decisions during the first critical hours of an incident, coordination with executive leadership, and protecting operational and financial stability.

Attendees will leave with a ready-to-use incident response framework, progress toward completing their own plan, and a set of clear action items to continue building or refining their district?s disaster recovery and response strategy.

If your district does not yet have a formal incident response or disaster recovery plan, this is where you need to be.
Speakers
avatar for Dustin Shadbolt, CETL

Dustin Shadbolt, CETL

Director of Technology, Rossville Consolidate School District


avatar for Scott Pratt, CETL

Scott Pratt, CETL

Board Member, Indiana CTO Council
The Cybersecurity Task Force serves as a point of coordination regarding improving cybersecurity across the K-12 sector, and its primary goal is to provide PD for K-12 leaders responsible for protecting their organizations from cyber threats.
avatar for Eric McGuire, CISM

Eric McGuire, CISM

Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure, Indianapolis Public Schools
I'm a philosopher with a cybersecurity habit; 20+ years of leadership practice.

Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Ditslear C

12:50pm EDT

Hard Hats & Smart Classrooms
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Hard Hats & Smart Classrooms focuses on practical tips and proven strategies to help K12 school construction and renovation projects run more smoothly.

Please join Bill Rader, Director of Technology at Danville Community School Corporation, as he shares real-world lessons learned, common pitfalls to avoid, and simple planning techniques that improve communication, reduce surprises, and keep projects on track. Attendees will gain actionable insights on coordinating with architects, construction managers, contractors, and technology teams to ensure construction decisions support efficient implementation and future-ready learning spaces.
Speakers
avatar for Bill Rader

Bill Rader

Director of Technology, Danville Community School Corporation
Bill Rader is the Director of Technology for Danville Community School Corporation in Danville, Indiana, where he leads districtwide technology initiatives and advances digital learning for students and staff. He oversees 1:1 device programs and instructional technology to enhance... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Waters E

12:50pm EDT

Ring, Ring...Why is This My Problem
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Upgrading a school phone system is often more complex than expected, involving far more than choosing between vendors or replacing handsets. This session is a retrospective of a real K-12 phone system upgrade, focused on the hidden decisions and dependencies many tech directors don?t realize they need to consider.
Topics include evaluating cloud-based versus on-premises systems, understanding upfront and recurring costs, navigating licensing models and feature sets, determining who actually needs a phone, and planning for safety requirements such as E-911. The session will also explore operational considerations like paging systems and how to minimize phone outages caused by internet or WAN disruptions.
The project was approached with guidance from a manufacturer-agnostic partner whose role was to help identify these often-overlooked factors and ask the right questions?not to promote a specific solution. Multiple manufacturers and vendors were evaluated before a final decision was made.
Rather than focusing on products or sales, this session shares the practical lessons learned and professional perspective gained from the process, helping K-12 tech directors better plan, communicate, and confidently approach their own phone system upgrades.
Speakers
avatar for Steve Spradlin

Steve Spradlin

Chief Technology Officer, Muncie Community Schools
Steve Spradlin is the Chief Technology Officer for Muncie Community Schools and a K–12 technology leader with hands-on experience planning, deploying, and surviving large-scale infrastructure projects. He has led district-wide initiatives spanning phone systems, networking, safety... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Waters D

12:50pm EDT

Ted Lasso 360 Leadership: Thriving in the Middle
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Learn the value of being a 360 leader through a fun comparative analysis of John Maxwell's 360 Degree Leader and the hit show, Ted Lasso.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Trivett

Brian Trivett

Director of Technology, Greenwood Community Schools
Brian Trivett serves as the Director of Technology for Greenwood Community School Corporation, bringing 18 years of experience, including a decade in Higher Education and eight years in K-12 leadership. A recognized leader in the Indiana EdTech community, Brian currently holds his... Read More →
avatar for Brenny Kummer

Brenny Kummer

Assistant Director of Educational Technology, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp
Brenny Kummer is the Assistant Director of Educational Technology for Bartholomew Consolidated Schools in Indiana. A former social studies teacher and Google Certified Trainer, she holds a master’s degree in Educational Technology from the University of Arkansas, where she was named... Read More →
avatar for Nick Williams

Nick Williams

Director of Technology Innovation, BCSC
Nick Williams is the Director of Technology Innovation for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. He has his MS in Instructional Technology and is a Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL). Nick has spoken nationally about the importance of using technology through the... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm EDT
Ditslear A

1:40pm EDT

Transition

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:40pm - 1:50pm EDT
Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center 13700 Conference Center Drive South Noblesville, Indiana 46060

1:50pm EDT

AI Driven Detection and Response for K-12 Districts
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:05pm EDT
School districts today face the same sophisticated cyber threats as large enterprises — but often without the same resources or security staff to combat them. That's where CrowdStrike's AI-Driven Detection and Response (AIDR) comes in.
AIDR combines the power of artificial intelligence with 24/7 expert human oversight to automatically detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats — before they can disrupt your schools, compromise student data, or impact critical systems.
With AIDR, your district gains:
* ✅ Always-on protection without needing a large in-house IT security team
* ✅ Instant threat response that stops attacks in seconds, not hours
* ✅ Protection for student and staff data in compliance with FERPA and other regulations
* ✅ Peace of mind knowing cybersecurity experts are watching over your environment around the clock"*
Speakers
avatar for Mike Lamdagan

Mike Lamdagan

Regional Sales Manager, Crowdstrike
CrowdStrike secures the most critical areas of risk – endpoints and cloud workloads, identity, and data – to keep customers ahead of today’s adversaries and stop breaches.
ER

Eddie Reeves

AI Detection and Response Specialist (Presenter), CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike is a global cybersecurity leader that has redefined modern security with one of the world's most advanced cloud-native platforms for protecting critical areas of enterprise risk — endpoints, cloud workloads, identity, and data.
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, CrowdStrike was built on a simple but powerful premise: breaches can be stopped. Powered by the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform, the company leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning, and world-class threat intelligence... Read More →
SS

Shannon Stout

CrowdStrike Regional Sales Engineer, CrowdStrike

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:05pm EDT
Stoney Creek B

1:50pm EDT

Autonomous & As-a-Service
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
Meter is on a mission to build autonomous networks, starting with both great hardware and great software that don't hold each other back.
Since its inception ten years ago the network-as-a-service (NaaS) specialist has been disrupting the "stagnant" networking industry with its cohesive and homegrown hardware and software. Meter offers a unique NaaS business model where customers don't have to shoulder upfront capex expenses associated with traditional networking.

This year alone, Meter unveiled nine new hardware platforms and major updates to Meter Command, the company's generative UI interface for network management to help customers meet the demands of ever evolving networks and their needs.
Speakers
avatar for Greg Gigiel

Greg Gigiel

Director of Sales, Qubit Networks

XS

Xan Stevenson

Head of Strategic Partner Sales & Distribution, Qubit Networks
Xan has been serving customers and partners in the technology industry the last two decades. His experience ranges from working with public sector customers in Florida, Tennessee State Government, Stanford, the State of California & the UC System. He is particularly passionate about... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
William Conner

1:50pm EDT

Amplify Impact: How AI is Transforming K-12 Tech Teams
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
Amplify Impact: How AI is Transforming K-12 Tech Teams
AI is no longer a future concept?it?s a practical tool reshaping how K-12 technology teams operate every day. In this session, Billy Bass shares how Five Star Technology Solutions is leveraging AI to streamline workflows, reduce response times, and create more consistent, scalable support systems.

From reimagining ticketing into a unified, tiered model through SPARK to automating resource dispatch based on ticket content and technician skillsets, this session highlights real-world strategies that are driving efficiency and improving outcomes. Attendees will also explore how tools like Gemini for Education can be used securely to enhance operations while maintaining strong data protection practices.

Walk away with actionable ideas to simplify processes, better support your teams, and amplify the impact of your IT organization.
Speakers
avatar for Billy Bass

Billy Bass

Head of Business Development, Five Star Technology Solutions
Billy Bass is the Head of Business Development for Five Star Technology Solutions, where he has spent over five years foster meaningful relationships across the K-12 landscape.

Billy leads growth initiatives for the Five Star portfolio, including Empower Learning and Bright Scho... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
Ditslear A

1:50pm EDT

Arctic Wolf 2026: Emerging Cyber Threats and the Security Actions That Matter Most
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
A concise look at the top emerging cyber threats highlighted in the Arctic Wolf 2026 Threat report and the key security actions organizations should take to strengthen defenses, reduce risk, and stay resilient in an increasingly aggressive threat landscape.
Speakers
GC

Greg Coy

Sr. Sales Engineer, Arctic Wolf Networks
Greg is a Senior Sales Engineer at Arctic Wolf with 28 years of experience in Information Technology, including over two decades dedicated to Cybersecurity and Security Operations. He previously served as the Enterprise Security Operations Manager for a Fortune 200 manufacturing company... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
Waters D

1:50pm EDT

True Crime: Clicks & Consequences - Why Cybersecurity Matters for Every K-12 Educator
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
This non-technical, story-driven session is designed for K?12 educators and school staff who want to understand why districts enforce cybersecurity rules. Using a true-crime approach, we?ll examine the ?crime scenes? of real-world cyber incidents that have impacted school districts and uncover how everyday actions, like clicking a phishing link or using an unapproved app, can lead to major consequences.

This session isn?t about firewalls or technical deep dives. It?s about helping educators understand how their decisions impact student data and district security.

This session is specifically designed to help bridge the gap between IT policies and educators' understanding. Whether you're an educator yourself or you?re responsible for helping teachers and staff understand why cybersecurity matters, this session will give you the stories, language, and examples that make security concepts relatable and memorable.
Speakers
avatar for Anna Hanrahan

Anna Hanrahan

Instructional AI Strategist, Trafera
Anna Hanrahan, M.Ed., brings over 20 years of experience in education, having served as a classroom teacher, gifted & talented teacher and coordinator, and K-6 STEAM teacher and coordinator. She is currently the Instructional AI Strategist at Trafera. As a Google for Education Certified... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
Ditslear C

1:50pm EDT

The Business Case for Better Tech
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
In K12, the best tech decisions aren’t about chasing shiny new tools. They’re about protecting what really counts: learning, data, and daily operations. Join us for a lively, hands-on conversation about using a simple RACI framework to figure out what your team should handle and what might be better to outsource.  
We’ll share practical ways to frame your technology investments so they connect with what Superintendents and Boards care about most like compliance, security, and keeping things running smoothly. You’ll walk away with a clear plan for where your team’s time makes the biggest impact and how the right partners can help reduce risk, improve reliability, and give your staff more time to focus on instruction.

Speakers
KT

Kristen Taylor

K12 Client Executive

avatar for Tim Pritchett

Tim Pritchett

Vice President Service Delivery, Matrix Integration
At Matrix Integration, partnership begins by meeting clients where they are. As a trusted advisor in IT transformation, Matrix Integration delivers secure, scalable solutions that help schools and businesses thrive. Tim Pritchett, CISM, Vice President of Service Delivery and former... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
Waters E

1:50pm EDT

What would you do with an extra $3,000,000?
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
By partnering with AvantBlue, Butler University has saved over $3,000,000 in cost avoidance allowing us to do more with less. While our budget has remained flat, we've continued to deliver leading-edge technology without increasing costs. Come and learn what we did, and find out how your district can benefit in the same way.
Speakers
BJ

Bruce Johnson

IT Business Manager, Butler University
I am a technology and business leader with over 25 years of experience helping schools and universities connect innovation with strategy. Currently, I serve as the IT Business Manager at Butler University. I work closely with the CIO suite to align technology investments with the... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
Ditslear B

1:50pm EDT

Strengthen MTSS from the Core Out: Connecting Assessment, Instruction, and Insight for Indiana Schools
Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
A strong MTSS framework starts with a strong core. Join us for a first look at Renaissance?s next?generation ecosystem?designed to reduce teacher workload, strengthen instructional coherence, and deliver more personalized learning for every student. This session highlights how Indiana districts can deepen MTSS by connecting high?quality instructional materials, actionable data, and streamlined assessment workflows. In this session, you will:

Explore new core publisher partnerships and textbook alignments that connect leading instructional materials directly to Renaissance tools.

See how to unify data and strengthen MTSS, while reducing teacher workload, through connected solutions like Renaissance Analytics, DnA, and our next?generation ecosystem.

Learn how to maximize your Formative Assessment Grant with Renaissance DnA for more flexible, high?quality assessment options

Discover how the ILEARN eC integration streamlines state assessment data to deliver fast, actionable insights into student mastery and growth.
Speakers
ST

Stephanie Toporcer

National Academic Advisor, Renaissance Learning

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:50pm - 2:20pm EDT
Stoney Creek A

2:20pm EDT

Transition

Thursday May 7, 2026 2:20pm - 2:30pm EDT
Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center 13700 Conference Center Drive South Noblesville, Indiana 46060

2:40pm EDT

Cyber Security Table Top Game
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Cyber Ready Schools!!!

What happens when a cyber incident hits your school district in the middle of the day?

Join Chetrice Romero for a dynamic, interactive session where you’ll experience cyber decision-making in a K–12 environment. Through gameplay, discussion, and potential previews of a new K–12-focused cyber game, participants will explore how schools can better prepare for today’s evolving threats.

Come ready to play, collaborate, and share feedback as we shape a tool designed specifically for schools.
Speakers
CR

Chetrice Romero

Sr. Cybersecurity Advisor, Ice Miller

Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ditslear C

2:40pm EDT

Fireside Chat: Amplify Impact: How K–12 Tech Leaders Are Using AI
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
AI is already finding its way into the day-to-day work of K–12 tech teams and this Fireside Chat is all about learning from each other.

Join us for a collaborative roundtable where tech directors and IT leaders can share what they’re trying, what’s working, and where things still feel unclear. No formal presentation, just an open conversation.

We’ll dig into things like:

-How are you actually using AI right now (if at all)?
-Where is it saving time or helping your team?
-What questions or concerns are still out there?
-How are you thinking about privacy, security, and guardrails?

The Five Star team will help guide the discussion and share a few examples, like how tools such as Gemini for Education are being explored, but the real value comes from collaborating and learning from each other.

Come ready to share, ask questions, and leave with a few new ideas you can take back to your team.
Speakers
avatar for Billy Bass

Billy Bass

Head of Business Development, Five Star Technology Solutions
Billy Bass is the Head of Business Development for Five Star Technology Solutions, where he has spent over five years foster meaningful relationships across the K-12 landscape.

Billy leads growth initiatives for the Five Star portfolio, including Empower Learning and Bright Scho... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Stoney Creek B

2:40pm EDT

TLE Cohort Collaboration meeting
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
For those who are a part of the TLE Cohort for Indiana Cohort, this will be a productive face to face time of working towards the TLE Seal application.

For those interested come and chat about why student data privacy best practices in can become a focus of your district in the areas of your Leadership, Business, PD, Data Security and Classroom practices.
https://www.cosn.org/edtech-topics/trusted-learning-environment/
Speakers
avatar for Pete Just

Pete Just

Executive Director, Indiana CTO Council
Pete Just, CETL, CCRE Pete is the Executive Director of the Indiana CTO Council and serves as CoSN’s Subject Matter Expert and Project Director on AI. He retired in 2022 as CTO/COO of MSD Wayne Township after 24 years of leadership. A former educator and Indiana University adjunct... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
William Conner

2:40pm EDT

Our First Year Creating AI Web Apps: The Good, the Bad, and the Lessons Learned
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Our school corporation has begun leveraging AI to build custom web applications that solve real-world problems for our teams. To be clear, we aren?t professional developers, and this is not a technical "how-to-code" session. Instead, we want to show how we have used emerging tools to bridge the gap between identifying a need and creating a functional solution. In this session we will be sharing how this initiative began and provide a high-level look at our process for building and refining apps without a traditional programming background.

We will demo several live applications we?ve already deployed and facilitate a candid discussion about the hurdles we?ve encountered along the way. Our goal is to provide an honest look at our journey. We would like to share the struggles, the successes, and lessons we have learned along the way. We look forward to sharing what we have discovered regarding these tools, and what we?ve learned while navigating this new frontier.
Speakers
AA

Andrew Augustyn

Instructional Coach, Merrillville Community School Corporation


avatar for Steven Kerr

Steven Kerr

Director of Technology, Merrillville Community School Corporation
Our group develops practical, web-based applications using existing school tools, mainly Google Sheets and Apps Script, with the use of AI-generated code, to automate workflows and solve real school problems. Our mission is to design secure, cost-effective solutions that streamline... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Waters E

2:40pm EDT

Who's Got Time for That?! Saving Time by Automating School Workflows with Google Sheets, Apps Script, and AI
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Schools still spend a lot of time managing everyday processes with paper forms, spreadsheets, and manual tracking. But who actually has time for that?

This session will show how tools many districts already have, including Google Sheets, Google Apps Script, and AI tools like ChatGPT, can automate common school workflows. Real examples from a K?12 district will be shared, including a digital hall pass system and a self-service Chromebook loaner tracking system.

We will walk through how these tools were built, how they connect within Google Workspace, and how AI can help generate and troubleshoot code along the way. No advanced programming experience is required.

Attendees will leave with practical ideas for small automations they can build to simplify processes and save time in their own schools.
Speakers
avatar for Colin Christy

Colin Christy

IT Technician, Union-North
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ditslear A

2:40pm EDT

Driving K-12 Innovation
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Guided by insights from this year's Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Board, participants will explore the 2026 Top Topics: Hurdles that impede progress, the Accelerators that propel it, and the Tech Enablers that support it. Participants will also have the chance to dig deeper into the Top Topics with fellow attendees to share how these concepts are intersecting in their work.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Margeson

Sarah Margeson

Coordinator of Connected Learning, Tippecanoe School Corporation
Sarah Margeson is the Coordinator of Connected Learning at Tippecanoe School Corporation, bringing over a decade of experience in educational technology and curriculum development. With a Master’s degree in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University, she is passionate... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ditslear B

2:40pm EDT

Fireside Chat: Secure Indiana Schools ​with Rhombus Cloud-Managed ​Physical Security
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Rhombus invites Indiana schools to explore groundbreaking innovations that enhance security for both students and faculty. Dive into the latest hardware and AI-driven solutions that are revolutionizing physical security and helping shape a safer campus. Learn how Rhombus provides a comprehensive, cloud-managed physical security platform that integrates cameras, access control, and sensors — all powered by AI. Discover how to accelerate emergency response times to protect Indiana schools with AI-driven features and integrations with gun detection and mass notifications. You'll also see how Rhombus adapts to your school's needs, offering ease of use, scalability, and customization with an open API — and how schools across the nation have successfully deployed and succeeded with Rhombus.
Speakers
MZ

Matt Zeman

Velocity SLED Account Executive, Rhombus Systems

NF

Noor Fattah

Regional Sales Manager - Eastern US, Rhombus Systems
I’m Noor Fattah, Regional Sales Manager for SLED across the Eastern United States at Rhombus Systems. I work with public sector organizations—including schools, cities, and law enforcement agencies—to modernize physical security through cloud-managed cameras, access control... Read More →
Thursday May 7, 2026 2:40pm - 3:30pm EDT
Stoney Creek A

3:30pm EDT

Amplify your Network Partner Exchange
Thursday May 7, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Strong technology leadership is built on a foundation of trusted partnerships. Use this time to connect with industry leaders who are deeply invested in the Indiana K–12 landscape. This isn't just about brochures; it’s about high-level conversations with experts who understand your budget constraints, your security risks, and your vision for student success. Discover how these organizations are evolving to meet the 2026 challenges of school safety, data privacy, and digital equity.
Thursday May 7, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Waters ABC

4:00pm EDT

Break Time
Use this time to put your things in your room and get ready for the Partner Reception and Top Golf.
Thursday May 7, 2026 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center 13700 Conference Center Drive South Noblesville, Indiana 46060

4:15pm EDT

Partner Reception - Sponsored by Forte and UDT
Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:45pm EDT
Live Music, beer, wine, and snacks event. Drink tickets for Vendor Visits, Selfie Station
Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:45pm EDT
Waters ABC

6:00pm EDT

Top Golf Social Event - Exclusive Event for Attendees and Diamond/Platinum Partners
Thursday May 7, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

Thursday May 7, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
 
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