Illinois Participation in TLE State Partnership Program Advances Student Data Privacy in Districts Statewide

 

Washington, D.C. (October 8, 2025) — CoSN today announced that Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 in Niles, Illinois, has been awarded the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seal for the Leadership Practice. The district is one of seven in Illinois to earn a TLE Seal or TLE Mini Seal. To date, TLE Seal recipients nationwide have improved privacy protections for over 1.3 million students.

The CoSN TLE Seal is a national distinction awarded to school districts that uphold high standards for protecting student data privacy across five key practice areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development and the Classroom. The TLE Mini Seal allows districts to demonstrate progress in one or more of these areas as they work toward earning the full Seal.

In September 2024, Illinois joined the TLE State Partnership Program, providing all districts in the state with unlimited free TLE Seal applications and renewals, statewide benchmarking across 25 core privacy and security practices, and targeted resources to close identified gaps. Through this state initiative, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 joined one of two pilot cohorts focused on the leadership and business practices.

To qualify for the Mini Seal in the Leadership Practice, districts must:

  • Build and maintain leadership knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, community expectations and best practices in student data privacy;
  • Develop and update policies that establish requirements for compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations and school system rules;
  • Set clear expectations for the protection of student data privacy and security, as well as the transparent use of data;
  • Designate an executive leader responsible for the development and implementation of data privacy and security policies and practices;
  • Provide transparent, up-to-date and accessible communications to the community about student data practices; and
  • Allocate adequate resources to support data privacy and security needs.

“As today’s technological landscape grows increasingly complex, safeguarding student data privacy is more critical than ever. Park Ridge-Niles School District’s TLE Mini Seal recognition is proof of their proactive approach to protecting students and building community trust,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN.

“District 64 is thrilled to be recognized by CoSN with this award. This is a tremendous honor and a testament to our district’s commitment to student data privacy, and it shows that our ongoing efforts are making a real impact,” said Matt Tombs, Director of Innovation and Technology, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64.

The CoSN TLE Seal is the only privacy framework designed specifically for school systems. Earning the TLE Seal requires that school systems have taken measurable steps to implement, maintain and improve organization-wide student data privacy practices. All TLE Seal recipients are required to demonstrate that improvement through a reapplication process every two years.

CoSN recently released a case study, “Improving Data Privacy in Illinois With CoSN’s TLE State Partnership Program,” showcasing how Illinois school districts — including Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 — are using the TLE framework to accelerate progress in student data privacy and security across the state.

To learn more about the TLE Seal Program, visit: www.cosn.org/trusted

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org

About the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal Program
The CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program is the nation’s only data privacy framework for school systems, focused on building a culture of trust and transparency. The TLE Seal was developed by CoSN in collaboration with a diverse group of 28 school system leaders nationwide and with support from AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and ISTE+ASCD. School systems that meet the program requirements will earn the TLE Seal, signifying their commitment to student data privacy to their community. TLE Seal recipients also commit to continuous examination and demonstrable future advancement of their privacy practices. www.cosn.org/trusted

About Park Ridge-Niles School District 64
Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 is a public elementary school district dedicated to providing a rich academic program and a positive learning environment for approximately 4,500 students in Park Ridge and Niles, Illinois. With a dedicated team of over 600 staff members across seven schools and one early childhood center, we are committed to our mission: to foster opportunities for discovery, engagement, and growth for all students. We accomplish this by nurturing interdependence, appreciating differences, and caring for self and others. www.d64.org/

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For CoSN: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com
For Park Ridge-Niles School District 64: Chris Lilly, clilly@d64.org