Taking the CIO Role from Traditional to Transformational

Lenny Schad recognizes that today’s CIO is challenged with a transition from traditional methodologies to a more holistic strategic partnership with districts.  Additionally, Schad points to other themes to expect at FETC 2020, including equity in technology, data privacy, organizational cybersecurity, and an increased emphasis on school leadership’s role in technology. “You look at the topics, and they are things that will help CIOs, aspiring CIOs, and other technology leaders start actionable steps that can help them move from the traditional [CIO] role into the transformational,” he adds.

Defining the “WHY”

In the past, technology was often introduced before proper district-wide planning took place, creating a mishmash of results. But now district leaders are taking the lead and flipping the emphasis from individual needs to district-wide integration. “There’s an importance in understanding what the district leadership and the various departments are trying to accomplish in their vision. That’s where it has to start,” explains Schad. “I think CIOs need to take a step back and, rather than quickly solving the ‘how,’ they need to spend time within the organization defining ‘why’ they’re trying to solve it and what they’re trying to accomplish.”

There are CIO summits and CIO academies leading into this summer and fall. The first is in Chicago over the summer, followed by a summit in Long Beach, Calif. in November. This year’s theme is “The Changing Role of the CIO.” The summits concentrate on actionable steps for attendees to aid in their transformational roles and drive change. And the academies represent sessions for young CIOs, aspiring CIOs, and even veteran CIOs to sharpen their skills.

As Schad enthusiastically states, “These are two avenues beyond FETC. My colleagues and I are going to leverage the experience we’ve had over the last twenty-some years and help pass that knowledge onto the next generation of CIOs.”

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