
Monday, March 9, 2026 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
Presented by Krestin Bahr, Superintendent, Peninsula School District (WA); Tom Livezey, Superintendent, Oakridge Public Schools (MI); Dr. Mary Templeton, Superintendent, Lake Stevens School District (WA); and Amy McLaughlin, Cybersecurity Project Director, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, CoSN/AASA EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
This edLeader Panel series is presented by CoSN and AASA.
Sponsored by ClassLink
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features. This program may qualify for CoSN CETL® Recertification.
There is no question that technology’s role in teaching and learning, as well as in school district operations, has grown exponentially in recent years. With an ever-increasing reliance on technology tools for multiple aspects of school functions, cybersecurity processes must be a top priority for all educators. Protecting school networks and information security are key requirements when it comes to effectively leveraging technology in multiple learning environments.
In this edLeader Panel, three leading superintendents join in conversation with CoSN’s Cybersecurity Project Director. Together, the panel will engage in an interactive conversation regarding the reasons why cybersecurity must be a priority for school leaders. They will also share effective policies and practices needed to successfully manage cybersecurity within school systems. The panel will also discuss how best to adapt to technology innovations—such as AI—when it comes to keeping school networks secure. Access to multiple free CoSN cybersecurity resources will be highlighted, including CoSN’s 2025 State Cybersecurity Legislation Report.
Attendees of the live broadcast will be invited to pose questions to the panel. This edLeader Panel will be of interest to K-12 district leaders, school leaders, education technology leaders, teachers, and librarians.
View all of the recent EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panels.
About the Presenters
Krestin Bahr is a transformational education leader who has dedicated her career to creating innovative, student-centered learning environments, inspiring educators and learners. As Superintendent of Peninsula School District in Gig Harbor, Washington, she oversees 9,000 students across 17 schools. Since 2021, Krestin’s leadership has driven remarkable growth, including opening six new schools and establishing three Mastery-Based Arts Impact Schools. Under her guidance, PSD earned recognition as a League of Innovative Schools member in 2025 and an AASA “District to Watch” in 2024 for achievements in early literacy and environmental sustainability. Multiple schools have achieved Washington’s Green Schools and OSPI STEM Lighthouse designations. Previously, Krestin was Superintendent of Eatonville School District (2013-2021). Krestin holds a Superintendent Certification from Washington State University, a Master of Education from City University, and a bachelor’s in biological science from Pacific Lutheran University. Her achievements include two AASA Superintendent of the Year nominations and a 2023 Leader of Distinction Award.
Tom Livezey has served as the Superintendent of Oakridge Public Schools in Muskegon, Michigan, since 2009. A veteran educator, his experience includes roles as assistant superintendent, curriculum director, and teacher. Under his leadership, Oakridge was named a “Lighthouse District” for using data to drive student growth. An expert in data-driven instruction and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), Tom has consulted with nearly 100 districts nationwide. He currently serves as President of the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) Executive Board and Chair of the Education Advocates of West Michigan. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University and a master’s in educational leadership from Michigan State University. His career-long commitment to excellence has earned him honors such as the MASA Winner’s Circle Award and the Outstanding Young Educator of the Year.
Dr. Mary Templeton is the Superintendent of the Lake Stevens (WA) School District. Prior to that, she served as the Washougal School District Superintendent in Washington. Dr. Templeton began her career in education as a classroom teacher, serving in districts located in California, Idaho, and Washington. She has led schools at the building and executive levels. Dr. Templeton has developed authentic partnerships with the community, created a culture of belonging, improved student achievement, and built trust among all stakeholders. The Washougal School District was recognized by AASA as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse Demonstration District for social, emotional, and cognitive support for students. She is a member of AASA’s National Women’s Leadership Cohort, the Equity in Action Cohort, and the IDEAL Cohort. Dr. Templeton was recently named a “Superintendent to Watch” by NSPRA, and her district has been recognized for excellence in marketing and branding.
Amy McLaughlin is a nationally recognized technology and cybersecurity leader known for turning big ideas into real-world transformation. With more than two decades of experience across K–12 education, higher education, and government, she has built and led high-performing teams that modernize systems, strengthen security, and expand opportunities for the communities they serve. As Cybersecurity Project Director at CoSN, she shapes national guidance for K–12 technology leaders and has represented the field in major policy discussions, including testimony on Capitol Hill. She is also the author of Learning Continuity Planning: A Handbook for Schools, Colleges & Universities. Amy also serves as the Vice President of Information Technology and CIO at the University of Wyoming, where she leads the technology team that powers student success, teaching, research, and statewide engagement. She holds advanced degrees in IT management and family therapy, along with CISSP, CISM, and several other industry certifications.
About the Moderator
Ann McMullan is Project Director for CoSN’s EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative, created in partnership with AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Ann served as Executive Director for Educational Technology in Klein ISD, near Houston, Texas, until September 2013, when she and her family moved to Los Angeles, California. For 16 years, Ann led the district team that provided professional development on technology and 21st century instructional strategies to 4,000 educators serving 50,000 students. She was Co-chair of the Texas Education Technology Advisory Committee, which developed the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology. Today, Ann works as a public speaker, writer, and consultant focused on leadership to meet the needs of today’s students. Ann serves on the edWeb.net Advisory Board. Ann is co-author of Life Lessons in Leadership.
CoSN, AASA, and edWeb.net are co-hosting an online professional learning community and edWebinar series to help superintendents connect and collaborate to help each other in this endeavor.
We thank our sponsor ClassLink and partners AASA and EdWeb for this continued collaboration.
edWeb CE Certificates may be used for CETL® Recertification Read More.