K-12 leaders face a daunting list of challenges — protecting student safety, securing sensitive data, and running efficient transportation and facilities — all while budgets and staffing remain tight. This quick take explores how connected technologies, from GPS-enabled buses to integrated monitoring systems, are helping districts create safer, smarter learning environments.
Drawing on insights from Center for Digital Government Senior Fellows Todd Sander and Tom Ryan, the piece outlines how schools can break down silos between IT, operations, and academics; plan for technology’s full lifecycle; and build trust with staff, unions, and parents through transparency and shared goals.
Readers will find practical strategies for leveraging connected fleets, real-time data, and unified dashboards to improve emergency response, enhance equity with Wi-Fi-enabled buses, and optimize routing based on traffic or weather conditions.
For superintendents, school board members, and district technology leaders, this is a must-read roadmap for building safer schools and stronger community trust while getting maximum value from technology investments.
