Cybersecurity, AI, and Student Safety: From Technical Tools to Transformational Leadership

The rising tide of cyber threats, AI disruption, and student mental health challenges demands more than just technical fixes—it requires adaptive leadership and strategic transformation. In the first half of this session, iboss will demystify the path to Zero Trust, emphasizing that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution nor a “big bang” implementation. Participants will learn how districts can prioritize and phase Zero Trust adoption based on current-state realities. The session will also unveil iboss’ new AI identification tool, designed to give districts visibility into generative AI usage—who is using it, how it’s being used, and the implications for instruction and safety. In the second half, Lenny Schad, Chair of the National Advisory Council on Cybersecurity, will lead a strategic conversation rooted in research and leadership frameworks. Using adaptive vs. technical challenge theory, attendees will explore how to build districtwide cybersecurity ecosystems through cross-functional alignment, shared accountability, and leadership capacity-building—shifting the conversation from “fixing tech” to enabling transformation.