Reframing the Investment
As Gregory Long, director of purchasing and distribution for Florida’s Seminole County Public Schools, puts it: “Change often happens piecemeal because we don’t have the dollars to do it all at once.”
That reality makes prioritization key. A phased approach allows districts to focus first on high-impact areas — those that save the most time or reduce the most manual work.
Digital transformation isn’t just about technology — it’s about reclaiming time. Every minute staff spend searching for paper files is time not spent supporting students, training staff, or planning strategically. Viewing DX as a strategic investment in operational excellence helps districts free up their most valuable resource: people.
Viewing DX as a strategic investment in operational excellence helps districts free up their most valuable resource: people.
Building a Culture of Change
Successful DX starts with leadership — and not just at the top. When district leaders model empathy, clear communication, and openness to small-scale experimentation, they create an environment where innovation can thrive.
Try starting small:
- Pilot a digital process with a few trusted users.
- Gather feedback, refine, and prove its value.
- Use those early wins to build momentum across departments.
As Dave Miyashiro, a K-12 leader with decades of DX experience, has observed, "What I learned from prior implementations is that having everybody learn on their own is a recipe for disaster. You have to make the commitment to learn together as a collaborative group."
Technology is easier than ever to scale. The real challenge — and opportunity — is guiding people through change.
Vision and Courage
The most successful digital transformations aren’t driven by the newest software — they’re powered by leaders who have the vision to see what’s possible and the courage to challenge old assumptions.
By focusing on process redesign over product hype and collaboration over compliance, school district leaders turn uncertainty into a strategic advantage. The result? Stronger systems, more engaged teams, and a culture ready for whatever comes next.