CoSN TLE State Partnership Program With North Carolina Advances Student Privacy in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

 

Washington, D.C. (October 6, 2025) — CoSN today announced that Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has been awarded the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seal for the Business Practice. North Carolina was the first state to partner with CoSN as part of the TLE State Partnership Program, helping CHCCS become the fifth district in the state to earn a TLE Seal or 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.

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

  • Implement a process for vetting online services for data privacy and security;
  • Regularly educate staff on the importance of and expectations for using the vetting process for online services;
  • Incorporate student data privacy and security expectations into contract language and data-sharing agreements; and
  • Apply enforceable privacy and security standards to all business processes associated with student data.

“Protecting student data privacy requires thoughtful leadership and strong business processes. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools has shown how districts can embrace the benefits of technology while maintaining control over how student information is used and protected,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN.

“The CoSN Business Practice Trusted Learning Environment Seal is a significant honor for our district, demonstrating our deep commitment to securing student data,” said Debby Atwater, Executive Director of Technology, CHCCS. “We achieved this through diligent efforts in establishing a comprehensive digital resource vetting process, ensuring thorough professional training and implementing essential data privacy documentation for every vendor handling student information.”

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

To learn more about North Carolina’s participation in the TLE State Partnership Program, visit: https://www.cosn.org/cosn-news/north-carolina-and-south-carolina-join-cosn-trusted-learning-environment-tle-state-partnership-program-for-student-data-privacy/

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 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) is located near the flagship campus of the University of North Carolina (UNC) and the world-renowned Research Triangle Park (RTP). The district operates three high schools, four middle schools, eleven elementary schools, a school for young people being treated at UNC Hospital and an alternative high school. Our schools serve more than 11,500 students. CHCCS believes every individual’s unique background and culture enhance our schools. By providing students with a safe and joyful learning environment, we collaborate with families to create a community where all students, families and staff members feel affirmed and respected to develop their fullest potential. www.chccs.org

MEDIA CONTACTS:
CoSN: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools: Andy Jenks, Chief Communications Officer, ajenks@chccs.k12.nc.us