In the latest CoSN podcast, AI, Automation, and the Future of K–12 Networks, listeners are invited into a timely CoSN discussion about how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming district operations. The episode builds directly on CoSN’s recent webinar of the same name, turning its insights into an audio journey through one of the most important technology shifts facing K–12 education today.
Both the podcast and the webinar explore how AI is reshaping the foundation of learning environments—from cybersecurity and data management to operational efficiency and long-term readiness. Together, they tell a story of districts that are adapting in real time to a rapidly changing digital ecosystem.
The CoSN webinar, moderated by Keith Krueger, CoSN CEO, featured three experts offering district, industry, and strategic perspectives:
Dr. Richard Charles, Chief Information Officer, Denver Public Schools
Erik Heinrich, K-12 Field CTO Juniper Networks (HPE)
Pete Just, Executive Director of Indiana CTO Council, CoSN subject matter expert and former Board Chair
Krueger opened the discussion by noting that CoSN’s latest national survey, OPERATIONAL AI IN EDUCATION: A CoSN 2025 MEMBER SURVEY Readiness, Realities, and the Road Ahead, marks one of the first systematic looks at operational AI—how artificial intelligence supports the work of technology teams and administrators, not just classrooms.
Dr. Charles described how Denver Public Schools uses AI to improve knowledge-centered services and help-desk systems. “Large language models are now capable of managing the volume of data that used to overwhelm us,” he said. “The challenge is staying ahead of a technology that doubles in power every few months.”
Just added that schools are cautiously finding their footing: “Educators are starting small—often with generative AI for administrative tasks—but they’re realizing the potential to reimagine how entire districts operate.”
Heinrich framed the trend through Gartner’s “slope of enlightenment.” “We’re past the hype,” he said. “Districts are learning what’s possible, building trust, and finding ways to make AI practical.”
Across both the podcast and the webinar, one clear theme emerged: the central role of AI in defending school networks.
Cyberattacks on districts have surged, and K–12 IT teams are increasingly using automation to monitor, detect, and prevent threats.
“Hackers don’t clock out when students go home,” Heinrich said. “AI gives districts the ability to watch their networks 24/7—recognizing normal behavior, flagging anomalies, and responding instantly.”
Charles compared it to having “an intelligent security guard who never sleeps,” while Just emphasized the operational reality: “Schools are under attack, understaffed, and underfunded. Automation is no longer optional—it’s essential.”
In Denver, Charles said the district is exploring agentic AI—systems that not only detect threats but act to neutralize them. “Imagine a network that self-heals or isolates suspicious traffic before anyone notices,” he said. “That’s no longer theoretical. It’s starting to happen.”
Behind every AI success story lies one critical truth: data quality matters.
CoSN’s survey found that 61% of districts cite “dirty or siloed data” as a major obstacle to operational AI.
“Garbage in, garbage out,” Heinrich said. “If the data feeding your AI is messy, the insights will be too.”
Dr. Charles stressed the importance of data hygiene and continuous process monitoring:
“There’s no substitute for data quality management. The more AI depends on data, the more we must ensure accuracy, consistency, and fairness.”
The conversation underscored that clean, well-managed data isn’t just efficient—it’s ethical. Poor data can amplify bias, misinform systems, and erode trust, making governance and staff training more important than ever.
CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal continues to serve as a key benchmark for districts working to strengthen privacy, transparency, and responsible data use across systems.
To help districts measure progress, CoSN and the Council of the Great City Schools developed the AI Maturity Model, a framework that identifies seven domains of readiness—from executive leadership and operational capacity to legal and risk management.
“Most districts are still in the ‘emerging’ or ‘developing’ stages,” said Just. “That’s where growth begins—by setting guardrails and moving forward with intention.”
Charles encouraged leaders to begin with collaboration: “No single person should own AI in a district,” he said. “Form a cross-functional committee that includes academics, operations, HR, and IT. Everyone has a stake in responsible use.”
Denver Public Schools has already begun formalizing ethical guidelines for AI use, developing districtwide frameworks and updating Acceptable Use Policies to reflect emerging technologies.
As AI tools flood the education market, the panelists stressed the need for clear standards and accountability.
“Districts should interrogate their vendors,” Heinrich said. “Ask how the AI works, what data it collects, and how that data is protected.”
Charles agreed: “We need more than marketing claims. Independent benchmarks—through organizations like CoSN—will help define what trustworthy AI looks like.”
Both experts emphasized that the relationship between schools and technology providers should be collaborative, not transactional. The goal: long-term partnerships rooted in transparency, privacy, and trust.
Both the podcast and the webinar underscored that the path forward isn’t about racing toward every new AI tool—it’s about building frameworks that sustain innovation responsibly. The goal is not speed, but stability; not automation for its own sake, but automation that amplifies human insight and ethical leadership.
The conversation closed on a future-focused note.
As Dr. Charles reminded viewers, today’s kindergarteners will graduate in 2037—into a world defined by AI, automation, and quantum computing.
“Building responsible AI practices isn’t just about saving time or money,” he said. “It’s about preparing students for a world that doesn’t fully exist yet. The best way to do that is to start building capacity now.”
CoSNweb – AI, Automation, and the Future of K–12 Networks Insights from CoSN’s Latest Survey Webinar
Together, CoSN’s podcast and webinar demonstrate that the future of K–12 networks isn’t about replacing people with machines—it’s about empowering educators and technologists to lead responsibly, securely, and strategically in the age of intelligent automation.
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