Turning Policies into Practice: District Approaches to Data Governance

What does effective data governance really look like in practice? This panel brings together technology leaders from multiple districts to share tangible use cases that go beyond policy frameworks. Topics include access control grounded in least privilege, annual user audits, and the power of cross-functional Data Governance Committees to streamline and enforce access requests. Panelists will also explore data retention strategies—what to collect, how long to retain it, and the risks of holding onto unnecessary data. Finally, the session highlights the critical role of workflow review in improving data quality and security at the start of the data lifecycle. Processes like new hire onboarding and student enrollment are often overlooked as privacy touchpoints, yet they shape how data is handled long-term. Participants will leave with replicable strategies and a clearer vision of how governance can foster a culture of privacy, collaboration, and continuous improvement.