Texas District Becomes Twelfth in the State to Earn CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal
Washington, D.C. (September 16, 2025) — CoSN today awarded the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal to Northside Independent School District (NISD) in San Antonio, Texas. NISD is the fourth-largest school district in the state, serving approximately 95,500 students across over 130 schools. The CoSN TLE Seal is a national distinction awarded to school districts and other education agencies implementing rigorous privacy policies and practices to help protect student information. NISD is the twelfth school system in Texas to receive the TLE Seal.
The CoSN TLE Seal Program mandates that school systems uphold high standards for protecting student data privacy across five key practice areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development and the Classroom. CoSN also offers a TLE Mini Seal that allows school systems to demonstrate progress in one or more of these areas as they work toward earning the full Seal. To date, TLE Seal recipients nationwide have improved privacy protections for more than 1.4 million students.
“Northside Independent School District has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting student information and building a culture of trust across its schools. Earning the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal reflects the district’s dedication to implementing rigorous privacy practices and continuously strengthening how it safeguards student data. We are proud to recognize Northside ISD for its leadership in this critical area.” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN.
“Applying for the TLE Seal was far more than a checklist exercise; it was a deep dive into our district’s communication strategy regarding data. The process challenged us to understand our systems, refine our data governance frameworks, and communicate our standards more transparently, ensuring Northside remains a trusted leader in protecting student and staff information,” said Leann Kidd, Executive Director of Northside ISD Technology Services.
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.
To learn more about the TLE Seal program, visit www.cosn.org/trusted.
About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 education technology 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 2,000 school districts and 14 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 Northside Independent School District
Established in 1949, Northside Independent School District (NISD) is San Antonio’s largest school system ad the fourth-largest school district in Texas, serving approximately 95,500 students across 130+ schools. Recognized as a premier destination for educational excellence, Northside ISD delivers a well-rounded academic experience through innovative programming—including full-day Pre-K, elementary STEM labs, dual language instruction, advanced magnet schools, and robust career and technical education (CTE) pathways. Driven by a dedicated faculty and bolstered by strong community partnerships, NISD remains deeply committed to nurturing individual talents in academics, fine arts, and athletics while empowering every student for future success. www.nisd.net
MEDIA CONTACTS:
For CoSN: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com
For NISD: Barry Perez, info@nisd.net
