As another school year begins, the excitement is unmistakable. Each morning on my way to the office here in Oklahoma City, I pass my local high school and see the parking lot filled with dedicated educators preparing for the first day of school. Their energy and commitment are inspiring—but as I watch the activity, I’m reminded of another group of professionals whose work is just as essential and often less visible: the technology leaders in our schools.
Across the country, Technology Directors and their teams are working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth start for students and teachers. They are verifying that networks are online, devices are configured and ready, and cybersecurity safeguards are in place to protect both data and people. These are not small tasks. In today’s classrooms, reliable technology is as fundamental as desks and textbooks. A single outage, a misconfigured device, or a security breach can disrupt learning for hundreds—sometimes thousands—of students.
Now more than ever, technology departments are mission-critical to student success. They set the stage for innovation, collaboration, and the personalized learning experiences that help every student thrive.
This is also a moment to recognize the role of the E-rate program—a cornerstone of the federal Universal Service Fund. For decades, E-rate has been a lifeline for schools and libraries, providing the essential funding that connects classrooms to the world. From rural districts to urban centers, E-rate ensures that connectivity isn’t a privilege, but a standard.
As we head into the new school year, let’s take a moment to thank the EdTech leaders and Technology Directors whose dedication keeps learning environments connected, secure, and ready for the future. Their work—paired with the support of the E-rate program—makes it possible for students to explore, create, and achieve their dreams.
Here’s to a safe, connected, and successful school year for all.
