Pro Tip # 1: There is an opportunity to align efforts towards shared goals around student success.
At the heart of every successful collaboration is a shared vision. For SBOs and CTOs, that means improving student outcomes, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and providing equitable access to resources. With diminished funding and increasing demands for accountability, every investment must deliver measurable value for student learning, well-being, and success.
Justify large technology investments with common metrics adapted to a K-12 environment, such as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which measures the costs of acquiring and maintaining all of your networks, computers, devices, and staff. A TCO assessment helps to set levels for annual budgets, determine the effects of proposed changes in IT staffing or restructuring of operations to migrate to cloud services, or similar projects.
“Working Together for Student Success: A Guide for SBOs & CTOs” provides tips and tools to support school business and technology team collaboration.
Pro Tip #2: Cybersecurity threats and mitigation require the full attention of all school leaders. Integrate cybersecurity and data privacy protection into the school system’s technology strategy and day-to-day operations.
Cybersecurity is no longer solely a technology issue—it’s a financial risk management priority. SBOs and CTOs must collaborate to ensure policies, investments, and training align with risk tolerance and compliance requirements. Together, they can advocate for sustained funding and embed cybersecurity into the culture of the district.
A rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected world, combined with new emerging technologies and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), brings new threats. SBOs and CTOs must work together to protect sensitive student, staff, and other school information. CoSN offers resources and planning templates that identify key elements to consider as a part of an effective cybersecurity and student data privacy protocol.
Strong collaboration between finance and technology leaders isn’t just ‘nice to have’—it’s essential.
Pro Tip #3: Schools must stay agile and adopt new technologies while ensuring they have the infrastructure and financial support to make them effective.
One of the most powerful ways SBOs and CTOs can align is by championing the integration of modern technology into teaching and learning. As advances in technology and increasing global interconnectivity reshape the skills students need to succeed, it’s essential that educational programs evolve to prepare them for a tech-driven world. This means staying current, not just with devices and platforms, but with the digital competencies that future careers will demand.
To make these investments intentional and sustainable, SBOs and CTOs should partner with curriculum leaders to align technology with instructional goals. At the same time, they must creatively navigate funding challenges. One such strategy is to operationalize IT purchases—shifting from large capital expenses to predictable, recurring operating costs. This pay-as-you-go model offers more flexibility and stability within annual budgets, especially during uncertain times.
By focusing on communication, shared goals, and strategic alignment, SBOs and CTOs can forge strong partnerships that drive real impact. Together, they can build systems that not only support today’s learners but also anticipate tomorrow’s needs.