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.

You’ll get a candid look at the issues IT teams say are impacting them most, along with practical strategies schools can use to strengthen security, streamline support, and scale technology without overextending their teams.

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.

• 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.