Clifton, NJ - May 4, 2026 - Every year, district technology leaders face the same high-stakes challenge: getting systems, access, and support in place before the first day of school. It’s complex, time-sensitive, and only getting harder.
On April 30, the 2026 BTS Summit brought together school and industry leaders for a different kind of conversation built on collaboration. Through a design-thinking approach, participants worked side by side to rethink how these challenges are tackled and how the back-to-school experience can be improved for everyone involved.
Here’s what emerged from this year’s summit.
The Challenges Shaping BTS
Digital Security
Strengthening cybersecurity practices to better protect systems and sensitive student and staff data.
AI Adoption
Preparing educators and students to use AI tools responsibly and effectively, while navigating evolving guidance and funding.
Procurement
Balancing budgets, compliance, and vendor relationships while making smarter, faster technology decisions.
App Management
Ensuring apps are secure, compatible, and aligned with district policies, without overwhelming IT teams or end users.
From Conversation to Action
The summit is just the starting point.
Following each BTS Summit, Leadership Workgroups form to carry this work forward, turning ideas into practical resources that support districts throughout the year.
These groups bring together education leaders and edtech solution providers to collaborate on real solutions tied directly to the challenges above.
Leadership Workgroups are open through June 30, 2026.
Email our team at bts.summit@classlink.com to join a Leadership Workgroup today!
Explore the BTS Resource Toolkit
Curious what this collaboration looks like in action?
The BTS Resource Toolkit, 3rd Edition, highlights the work and insights developed by last year’s Leadership Workgroups, offering practical guidance you can use right now.
And the next edition is already in the works, arriving this fall.
Special Thanks to Our Moderators and Leadership Workgroup Chairs
It takes partnerships to make back-to-school a success; that's why we're thankful for the support and participation of our BTS Summit moderators and Leadership Workgroup Chairs. Sincere thanks to the Moderators and Leadership Workgroup Facilitators below!
Moderators
- Angela Green (Klein ISD)
- Curtis Frazier (East Orange)
- Jason Collette (Savvas)
- Jennifer Williams (Newtown County SD)
- Julia Sweeney (Edcite)
- Michele Robb (Sacramento City Unified SD)
- Misty Smith (Newtown County SD)
- Sheila Zeidman (Renaissance)
- Tracy Lane (Dougherty County SD)
- Victor Karkar (Scrible)
Leadership Workgroup Facilitators
- Diane Doersch
- Donna Williamson
- Frankie Jackson
- June Atkinson
- Pete Just
- Sheryl Abshire
- Sonia Baccus Hooks
- Tina Barrios
Learn more about the BTS Summit and explore back-to-school resources.