Define your “whys” before you define your “hows.” “It was all about our students and all about our goal to have global graduates–we talked about student and teacher readiness, how this is a big change in culture, and how this is an evolution. We never talked about devices,” Schad said of his time as Houston ISD’s chief information technology officer. “If you’re going to kick off transformational initiatives, you have to have a level of understanding. When you hit that tipping point with a great level of understanding, then you get to the how.”
Read more: Here’s how to make your digital strategy seamless
Be able to work at part of a team to arrive at the “why.” “It takes commitment from the entire leadership team and a clear understanding of everyone’s roles and responsibilities. If you don’t have that, you won’t be successful. In any type of digital transformation, you’ll step on toes. You need a leadership team and a superintendent who is actively engaged and committed to the initiative. There should be very few initiatives in your district that you’re the sole driver of. If that’s the case, you need to work on your relationships.”
Realize that one district’s digital transformation may not look like another district’s digital transformation. “Transformation has become a dangerous word–it’s completely dependent on your culture. Transformation looks different for everybody.”
- Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it - July 13, 2026
- In districts, reaching readiness, retention, and success - March 5, 2026
- AI use is on the rise, but is guidance keeping pace? - January 2, 2026