Stronger Together: A Collaborative Affiliate Partnership Model for Education Leadership

Technology is a fundamental component of K-12 education. From the first LAN and server in K-12, in some cases, technology decisions have been relegated to backrooms filled with spare keyboards, switches, and access points. This session will explore the crucial, yet sometimes understated, strategic role of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) within a K-12 public educational leadership team. We will discuss how CTOs are evolving beyond technical experts into vital strategic education partners. CTOs drive innovation, shape leadership decisions, ensure equitable access to technology, and maintain secure school environments.

This conversation will center around the power of strategic partnerships, exemplified by the newly codified collaboration between the New Hampshire School Administrators Association (NHSAA) and the New Hampshire Chief Technology Officers (NHCTO). This partnership significantly enhances the CTO's leadership by providing technology leaders with a direct channel to superintendents and system leaders. Attendees will learn how this relationship enables superintendents to truly understand the strategic impact of technology, while also empowering CTOs with broader leadership perspectives and stronger advocacy platforms. We will share concrete examples of how this partnership has improved professional learning, facilitated the sharing of best practices, and established a unified voice for educational technology in the state.