Infrastructure Matters: Building Secure Schools from the Ground Up

Your network infrastructure is the foundation of everything your district depends on. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and technology ecosystems expand, districts can no longer treat infrastructure and cybersecurity as separate conversations. Drawing on real-world experience as a former K-12 CTO, this session explores how infrastructure decisions directly affect security, reliability, and operational resilience. We will examine common infrastructure weaknesses, practical ways to reduce risk, and how to prioritize improvements when budgets and staffing are limited. You will learn how to evaluate your current environment, identify high-impact investments, and create an infrastructure roadmap that supports both instructional technology and cybersecurity goals. Whether your district is planning major upgrades or simply trying to keep pace with growing demands, you will leave with practical strategies to strengthen your foundation for the future.