Illinois District’s Fourth CoSN TLE Mini Seal Reflects Progress and Statewide Commitment to Strong Student Data Privacy Protections

 

Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2026) — CoSN — The Consortium for School Networking today announced that Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 in Niles, Illinois, has been awarded three additional Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seals for the Data Security, Professional Development, and Classroom Practices, helping strengthen student data privacy for the district’s approximately 4,500 students.

The CoSN TLE Seal is a national distinction recognizing school districts that implement strong policies and practices to help protect student data privacy, with the Mini Seal acknowledging progress in one of five key areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development, and the Classroom.

Having already received a Mini Seal in Leadership, these achievements reflect Park Ridge-Niles’ ongoing commitment to improving student data privacy across the following areas of the framework:

  • Data Security: Recognizes districts that implement clear policies governing how student data is accessed, stored, retained, and protected; publicize data privacy and security practices; limit access to sensitive systems; establish incident response and disaster recovery procedures; and regularly audit privacy and security practices.
  • Professional Development: Recognizes efforts to integrate student data privacy into staff training across school operations and instruction; keep parents informed; and ensure practices are carried out in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
  • Classroom: Acknowledges efforts to promote student information literacy, digital citizenship, and internet safety; vet online services; model responsible student data use; and communicate transparently with families about student data practices.

“Park Ridge-Niles School District 64’s continued progress across the Trusted Learning Environment framework demonstrates what sustained commitment to student data privacy looks like in practice,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN. “By strengthening policies, professional learning, and classroom practices, the district is reinforcing a culture of trust and transparency that benefits students, families, and educators.”

“Earning the CoSN TLE Seal is one of education’s highest honors. This prestigious award proves our privacy strategies are working and highlights the intensive effort we put into protecting our district’s data. It’s a major win for our schools and a clear sign that student security is our top priority,” said Matthew Tombs, Chief Technology Officer, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64.

Park Ridge-Niles’ achievements also demonstrate Illinois’ broader statewide focus on student data privacy. In September 2024, Illinois partnered with CoSN through the TLE State Partnership Program, which provides districts with unlimited free TLE Seal applications, exclusive state data privacy benchmarking reports, and resources and guidance to support improvements in privacy practices. Through the program, Park Ridge-Niles is one of seven districts in the state to earn a TLE Seal or Mini Seal. To date, TLE Seal recipients nationwide have improved privacy protections for over 1.4 million students.

The CoSN case study, “Improving Data Privacy in Illinois With CoSN’s TLE State Partnership Program,” dives deeper into how Illinois school districts are using the TLE framework to accelerate progress in student data privacy and security across the state.

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 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