CoSN and ASBO International today unveiled for their members a new toolkit that will help chief technology officers (CTOs) collaborate more effectively with school business officials (SBOs) to tackle common issues, streamline district operations and focus on student success.
The resource, based on CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO and ASBO’s International School Business Management Professional Standards and Code of Ethics, helps school leaders identify opportunities to work together and provides guidance on how to get the conversations started.
“A quality education depends on everything from what students learn in the classroom to the technology and other educational resources available to support their learning,” says ASBO International Executive Director David Lewis. “This guide provides tips and tools to promote collaboration between school district business and technology offices so schools can provide the educational programs and services needed to ensure our students are successful.”
“CoSN is thrilled to announce this valuable toolkit in partnership with ASBO; it represents the success that can result from technology and business collaboration in education,” says Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “We hope that department leaders in school districts around the world will use our toolkit as a guide to more effectively work together. This toolkit will allow school systems to enhance teaching and learning with new technologies, while overcoming outside obstacles.”
The new toolkit highlights the following school district operating challenges and offers specific tips and tools to overcome them:
  • Education Resource Management: Scarce funding and increasing calls for accountability and transparency require SBOs and CTOs to work together to provide great value and high return on investments in IT and other educational initiatives for student learning, well-being and success.
  • Data Management and Security: With a rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world, combined with new emerging technologies and the rise of the Internet of Things, come new threats. SBOs and CTOs must work together to protect sensitive student, staff and other school information.
  • IT Infrastructure and Systems Management: Technology is everywhere — we rely on it for nearly everything. And, as internet connectivity becomes increasingly essential to school district operations and classroom instruction, SBOs and CTOs should work together to meet rising demands for digital devices and 24x7x365 access to support learning. They also need a backup plan for when things go wrong.
  • Innovation in Technology and Education: New advances in technology and increasing interconnectivity require students to learn new skills to be successful and competitive in the global economy. SBOs and CTOs must work together to provide educational programs and services that prepare students for their future careers.
Edtech leaders and SBOs will provide real-life examples of how the toolkit can simplify the work of each position during the 2020 CoSN Conference, taking place March 16-18 in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the hour-long session here and follow CoSN on Twitter for upcoming conference announcements.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
CoSN: Heidi Payter, hpayter@fratelli.com, 202-822-9491
ASBO: Elleka Yost, eyost@asbointl.org, 866-682-2729 x7065
More information about the CoSN and ASBO toolkit is available here. Media may request a review copy of the full toolkit by emailing Heidi Payter (hpayter@fratelli.com) or Elleka Yost (eyost@asbointl.org).
Media are invited to attend the CoSN conference at no cost. To register, please contact Susanne Connors Bowman, CAE, at sbowman@cosn.org.
About CoSN
CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. cosn.org
About ASBO International
Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation. Learn more at asbointl.org.