School districts nationwide are adopting new technologies and practices at a fast rate. From artificial intelligence to cybersecurity upgrades, education leaders must guide innovation while ensuring staff, faculty, and students are prepared to use these changes effectively.
At the heart of this process lie two distinct but related concepts, project management and change management.
Project management focuses on the practical steps required to complete a specific initiative. This includes:
- Defining the project’s goals
- Agreeing on timelines
- Assigning duties and responsibilities
- Tracking progress
- Establishing clear communication channels
Change management focuses on the entire organization, encompassing adjustments to its culture and processes and supporting individuals so that transitions can be as smooth as possible. This includes:
- Providing training and support
- Communicating purpose and benefits
- Addressing concerns and gathering feedback
Both project management and change management will play pivotal roles in ensuring successful implementation. When implementing new technologies such as AI tools, knowing which tools to acquire is only the first step. Educational leaders must evaluate vendors, negotiate contracts, establish usage guidelines, and ensure compliance with privacy laws. The completion of these tasks does not guarantee successful adoption. Teachers and faculty may not know how to use the technology or may question its value. Families and other stakeholders might be resistant to the use. Training those who need it and allowing for feedback to augment the program is essential to overcome this resistance and build trust.
Project management creates the change, while change management helps people embrace it. A new initiative or practice may have a successful launch, but without stakeholder backing and organizational preparation, reaching positive results will be an ever uphill climb. As new technologies continue to reshape the education landscape, educational leaders must recognize that successful adoption requires both strong porject management and effective change management. When utilized together, they provide a healthy foundation for meaningful innovation.
AUTHOR: Jesse Davis, MPP
Blaschke Fellow (PT) (VA)
Jesse Davis is the 2026 CoSN Blaschke Fellow. His work focuses on how school districts can successfully implement emerging technologies through effective change management, governance, and stakeholder engagement. Jesse is also a graduate of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where he earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP), and holds a BA in Political Science from Berea College.
Published on July 7, 2026
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