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

Data privacy and requirements to secure confidential district information change at lightning speed. For those leaders trying to keep up, three forward-thinking superintendents shared one clear warning during the edLeader Panel “Managing Student Data Privacy: Highlights of the CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report.”

It’s more important “than it has been in the last 10 years to get going because it’s not going to stop,” said Dr. Timothy Broadrick, Superintendent of Prospect Mountain Schools (NH).

“It’s a fast-moving train that continues to evolve,” said Dr. Matthew Friedman, Quakertown Community School District (PA) Superintendent. “It’s our responsibility to stay ahead of the curve, and it’s not always easy.“

There is no question that school districts face monumental challenges in ensuring data privacy within networks and digital learning environments. Addressing the variety of national, state, and local legal requirements, digital learning, and emerging accessibility standards puts leaders at odds with students, teachers, and staff who need immediate access to confidential data.

In fact, CoSN’s 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report samples more than 400 educators and staff across large, small, rural, and every district in between, reporting that districts need resources, training, and guidance to stay current.

“Leadership support was one really common theme,” said Linnette Attai, Project Director of the CoSN Student Data Privacy Initiative. Respondents wanted their superintendents to intervene and break down silos to prioritize privacy. “It’s about behavior change and management across an organization,” and less so about buying more products, she said.

What Leaders Can Do to Stay Ahead of the Data Privacy Curve

The panelists offered sound advice for striking the right balance between protection and data sharing.

Put Data Privacy in Top Positions

Elevating the focus begins at the top. We “now rely on a CTO at cabinet level,” said Dr. Broadrick. He explained that meaningful discussions about curricula, technology, operational procedures, educator training, and classroom support can’t occur without considering data privacy. In addition, the district implemented a technology advisory committee that includes teachers and staff to “help spread the messages of what’s going on and why,” he said.

Make Training—And Feedback—Ever-Present

Because the technology itself changes so quickly, and so do the numerous ways data can be actively compromised, training staff, students, and educators must be ongoing. In Meriden Public Schools (CT), all employees are required to complete annual data privacy training. Topics include password issues, phishing, protected information, and more. “It’s been very positive for our district,” said Meriden Superintendent Dr. Mark Benigni. He also explained that training continues at leadership levels, with annual retreats that include the latest on data legalities.

“It’s not just training, training, training. It’s time to manage up if your district isn’t already paying attention to data privacy,” said Dr. Broadrick, speaking to the many staff and educators who also play a key role in data security. Feedback is critical to the process. In Dr. Broadrick’s district, students and faculty can request changes and provide feedback. Two-way communication helps keep everyone thinking about and talking about privacy. “If they want access to something they don’t have, rather than be frustrated, they have a way to request or get an explanation,” he said.

Acquire The Support You Need

Securing data touches all areas of a district, and is nearly impossible to do in a silo or without support. Dr. Broadrick recommends leaders find strong partners “who can do more than one thing, including DPAs, app sniffers, VPATS, and more, because it can be overwhelming otherwise.”

“It’s so important districts are not complacent and seek out resources,” added Dr. Friedman.

Consider a Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal

The CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program covers five practice areas (leadership, business, classroom, professional development, and data security) in which districts can apply for a seal in one or all of them. The process is collaborative, allowing districts to reapply, receive feedback, and begin breaking down silos to increase participation across all departments. “Because of rigor and transparency, the seal helps to build trust, and leaders are able to say, ‘This is what we’ve done, and we are committed to continuing this work, we won’t stop,’” said Attai.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Managing Student Data Privacy: Highlights of the CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report, 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.

Article by Suzanne Bell, based on this edLeader Panel