In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue, it’s a district-wide imperative. As Chair of the National Advisory Council on Cybersecurity (NACC), I am proud to introduce a game-changing resource designed to elevate cybersecurity to the forefront of district leadership: the Action Guide for Building Cabinet Buy-In on Cybersecurity. This guide is more than just a tool—it’s your roadmap for fostering collaboration, driving change, and ensuring your district is prepared to tackle the evolving threat landscape.
Why This Guide Matters Now More Than Ever
Cyber threats are no longer theoretical; they’re here, and they’re relentless. Over 70% of district technology leaders report knowing a peer whose district has experienced a cyberattack, and 21% of districts have been directly impacted in the past year alone. These incidents aren’t just inconvenient, they disrupt learning, compromise sensitive data, and erode trust within our communities.
The rise in artificial intelligence (AI) has further amplified these risks. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to create more sophisticated attacks, while districts struggle to keep pace. At the same time, AI offers unprecedented opportunities to strengthen our defenses. This duality underscores the critical need for a strategic, district-wide approach to cybersecurity – a need this Action Guide fulfills.
How the Action Guide Elevates Cybersecurity
The NACC Action Guide is built on a foundation of shared responsibility and accountability. It’s designed to help district technology leaders like you communicate effectively with your cabinet colleagues, ensuring cybersecurity becomes a collective priority rather than a siloed concern. The guide breaks down the journey into three strategic levels:
- Level One: Define Your Role as a Technology Leader
Understand the full scope of your responsibilities in managing and protecting your district’s digital infrastructure. From data security to disaster recovery planning, this section equips you with actionable strategies to fortify your district’s defenses. - Level Two: Build Cabinet-Level Awareness
Cybersecurity isn’t just your problem, it’s everyone’s problem. This level provides insights into what keeps your colleagues awake at night, translating cybersecurity’s technical jargon into language that resonates with superintendents, CFOs, and other cabinet leaders. It’s about making cybersecurity relevant to their priorities, whether that’s protecting student data, safeguarding finances, or maintaining district reputation. - Level Three: Implement Shared Responsibility
Once your cabinet is engaged, the guide offers detailed action steps tailored to each leadership role. These steps foster accountability across departments, ensuring cybersecurity becomes an integrated part of district operations.
The Value of Collaboration
At its core, the Action Guide is about collaboration. It recognizes that no single leader or department can manage cybersecurity alone. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility, it empowers districts to build a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem. This approach not only strengthens defenses but also ensures continuity in education—because every moment spent recovering from a cyberattack is time stolen from students.
How You Can Use the Guide
- Start with Your Own Role: Use the guide to assess your current responsibilities and identify areas for growth.
- Engage Your Colleagues: Share the guide with your cabinet and initiate conversations about their priorities. Use the provided scenarios and strategies to connect cybersecurity to their goals.
- Take Action Together: Collaborate to implement the recommended steps in Level Three, creating a district-wide framework for accountability and resilience.
Why Cybersecurity is a Leadership Opportunity
This guide isn’t just about avoiding breaches, it’s about demonstrating leadership. By using this resource, you position yourself as a strategic partner who understands the big picture. You show your colleagues that cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and patches; it’s about protecting students, enabling learning, and preserving trust.
Join Us on This Journey
The NACC Action Guide is a living document, evolving as we learn from districts across the country. Your experiences, challenges, and successes are invaluable. Share them with us, and let’s continue to refine this resource together. Email us at innovation@tomorrow.org to contribute your insights.
Public/Private Stakeholders
Through the generous support of “iboss for K12” who serves as the NACC national mission sponsors, and is the only education platform delivering advanced enterprise cybersecurity, alongside CIPA filtering, Parent Portal, AI filtering/monitoring, and Classroom Management across all device types, this work is made possible, including onsite (no cost) Action Guide workshops and trusted advisory.
Let’s turn cybersecurity from a technical challenge into an opportunity for transformation. Together, we can build resilient districts that thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The journey starts with you—and this guide is your map. Let’s get to work.
The Roadmap to Developing a K-12 Districtwide Cybersecurity Ecosystem eBook
Prepared by Lenny Schad, Chief Information Officer in Residence for District Administration and board chair for the National Advisory Council on Cybersecurity. Mr. Schad has worked in K-12 since 2003 successfully leading the implementations of BYOD and 1:1 in Katy ISD and Houston ISD respectively as the CIO. Mr. Schad has served as a board member for CoSN and IMS Global and is a published author. His book “Bring Your Own Learning: Transform Instruction with any Device” has helped many organizations implement digital transformation initiatives.
