Washington, D.C. (March 13, 2025) – The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is alarmed by the Administration’s decision to eliminate the staff of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) and significantly reduce cybersecurity services that protect K-12 schools. These actions threaten the progress of digital learning, widen inequities in student access to technology and expose school districts to increased cybersecurity risks.

 “Congress created OET to ensure that students, educators and school districts benefit from cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, digital learning tools and cybersecurity resources. Eliminating this experienced team, along with a broader 50 percent staff reduction at the Department of Education, sends a troubling signal about the future of the nation’s longstanding educational technology leadership,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN.

Educators across the country rely on the federal government’s technical assistance and guidance to navigate the opportunities and challenges of educational technology. The absence of OET will have real consequences, particularly for school districts working to implement responsible AI strategies, address digital equity gaps and ensure students can learn safely online. Resources like the National Educational Technology Plan and recent AI guidance risk becoming outdated and unavailable, leaving schools without critical support.

In addition to these cuts, the Administration’s decision to shrink the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and eliminate funding for services like the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) will leave schools more vulnerable to cyber threats.

“CISA and MS-ISAC provide essential cybersecurity resources for the Beaverton School District. The combination of technical support, security threat awareness and cybersecurity resources are crucial components of our cybersecurity portfolio,” said former CoSN Chair Steven Langford, Chief Information Officer, Beaverton School District (OR). “Losing services from CISA and MS-ISAC will significantly reduce our ability to remain aware of and respond to cybersecurity threats in the future.”

CoSN urges educators, school leaders and policymakers to document the impact of these drastic cuts and share their concerns with Congress. Ensuring that all students have safe and equitable access to technology must remain a national priority.

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. cosn.org

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Grace Helsing, ghelsing@fratelli.com