Virginia District Becomes Third in the Commonwealth to Earn CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal
Washington, D.C. (December 8, 2025) — CoSN today awarded the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal to Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS), a school division in Roanoke, Virginia, that serves approximately 14,000 students. 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. RCPS is the third school system in Virginia 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.
“Protecting student information is a core responsibility for every school system, and Roanoke City Public Schools has shown a strong, sustained commitment to doing this work well. Their efforts reflect a deep dedication to building trust with students, families and the community,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN.
“This national designation confirms our unwavering commitment to student data privacy and digital trust. The Trusted Learning Environment Seal is the only privacy framework designed specifically for K-12 schools, and Roanoke City Public Schools now stands among an elite group of divisions recognized for excellence in safeguarding student information,” said Wesley D. Williams, Executive Director of Technology, CETL, Roanoke City Public Schools. “Earning this seal accomplishes one of our performance targets within the RCPS strategic plan: ‘Earn the TLE Seal from the Consortium for School Networking by spring 2027,’ and demonstrates our dedication to providing a secure, tech-enabled environment where staff, students, families and our community can thrive.”
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 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 Roanoke City Public Schools
Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) is an urban school division in Roanoke, Virginia, serving a pre-K through 12th grade population of approximately 14,000 students. RCPS provides an inclusive and equitable, student-centered culture that empowers lifelong learning. Through meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning opportunities, we empower all students to dream, excel, and meet their full potential to benefit our city and its citizens. The division has 17 elementary schools, five middle schools, two high schools, and five program locations, including the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science & Technology and two Career & Technical Education centers. www.rcps.info/
