Top Tech Challenges Facing K-12 IT Leaders in 2026

This session brings together experienced K-12 technology leaders to unpack the biggest challenges facing school IT teams in 2026. Drawing from district-level experience, community discussions, and real trends emerging in spaces, the panel will explore how cybersecurity threats, device growth, communication complexity, and limited staffing are shaping the work of IT departments today.

Hosted by:

Blake Freeman

Senior Account Executive

Chris Warden

IT Director at Central R-3

Matt Burgess

System Administrator at Central R-3

Presented by:

What You'll Learn

Current trends shaping K-12 IT, sourced from real conversations and community data.
Actionable steps districts can take to strengthen security and improve system reliability.
Approaches to simplifying device and communication management across classrooms, buildings, and districts.
How IT teams can future-proof their technology strategies heading into 2026.

Webinar Details

K-12 IT teams are entering 2026 facing rapid change, tighter budgets, and rising expectations from every corner of the district. From cybersecurity threats to expanding device fleets, the pressure to support learning while keeping systems secure has never been greater.

In this panel-style discussion webinar, Chris Warden, IT Director at Central R-3 School District and host of the K12 Tech Talk Podcast, Matt Burgess, System Administrator at Central R-3, and Blake Freeman share insights gathered directly from the K-12 IT community—including emerging trends from r/k12sysadmin, conversations with district technology leaders, and on-the-ground challenges shaping the year ahead.

Whether you’re managing a small district or supporting thousands of users, this conversation will help you see what’s coming—and how to prepare.