![\"Edtech](\"https:\/\/www.lightspeedsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7016-1-1024x828.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDAC has always been one of my favorite events of the year. For years now, we\u2019ve brought together district leaders who are not just managing technology, but shaping the future of it. They come ready to share what\u2019s working, what\u2019s not, and how we can collectively do better for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year, we decided it was time to formally recognize the leaders who are moving beyond implementation and into measurable impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I called our winners to let them know ahead of the event, the response was immediate and heartfelt. They were excited\u2014truly excited. Not because of a trophy, but because someone noticed the intentional, strategic work they\u2019ve been doing behind the scenes to improve safety, governance, instruction, engagement, ROI, and compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s exactly why we created these awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moving Beyond Adoption to Impact <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Technology adoption is easy to measure. Impact is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Innovation Impact Awards were designed to recognize education leaders who are leveraging Lightspeed solutions strategically, using data, visibility, and control to drive outcomes that matter. Winners were selected by our leadership team based on demonstrated innovation, measurable results, and a clear commitment to responsible, student-centered technology use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s who we honored this year:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Data Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightspeedsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7034-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNorthside ISD (TX)
Miranda Snider, Assistant Director of Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNorthside ISD has transformed how they approach edtech purchasing decisions. By leveraging Lightspeed Insight\u2122<\/a> and its ROI Reporting capabilities<\/a>, they\u2019ve bridged the gap between Technology Services and Curriculum & Instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNorthside has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Identified and eliminated redundant applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Uncovered training gaps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improved communication about available tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Redirected budget toward resources that directly support student learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As Miranda put it:
\u201cWe aren\u2019t just looking at data; we\u2019re using it to ensure every dollar spent directly supports student learning.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nThat mindset shift\u2014from \u201cwhat\u2019s being used\u201d to \u201cwhy it\u2019s being used\u201d\u2014is exactly what strategic data governance should look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AI Governance Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightspeedsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7026-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi ISD (TX)
Thomas Molina, Information Security Officer
Janelle Reyes, Technology Services Director<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi ISD is leading a deliberate approach to AI adoption. By utilizing Lightspeed tools, they are staging and managing AI product rollouts with precision<\/a>\u2014ensuring responsible implementation at every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCorpus Christi ISD has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Staged AI product rollouts to align with district readiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Managed access to specific AI tooling across user levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verified privacy, security, and compliance with all legislative requirements for safe AI use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As Thomas & Janelle shared:
\u201cWe can easily manage access to specific tooling until our internal teams can verify privacy, security, and compliance with all legislative requirements for safe AI use.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nTheir structured governance model reflects what responsible, scalable AI implementation should look like in K\u201312 education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instructional Impact Data Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightspeedsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7038-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLincoln Public Schools (NE)
Kristi Peters, Instructional Technology Coordinator
Kirk Langer, Chief Technology Officer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nLincoln Public Schools is redefining ROI, shifting the focus from Return on Investment<\/strong> to Return on Instruction<\/strong>. By leveraging Lightspeed Insight\u2122, they are examining how instructional time spent in digital resources connects to student outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLincoln Public Schools has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Analyzed instructional time spent within digital resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Evaluated whether time investments align with evidence-based tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Worked to correlate instructional time with student achievement outcomes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As Kristi and Kirk explained:
\u201cAs Insight evolves, we are getting closer to the time when we can better understand not only whether a resource is being used, and not only whether it is useful, but for which type of learners it is the best resource.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nTheir work elevates the conversation from tool usage to instructional impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Data & Compliance Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightspeedsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7047-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRogers Public Schools (AR)
Michelle Martin, Information Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nRogers Public Schools has strengthened district-wide app governance and oversight, ensuring every digital tool meets privacy and compliance standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRogers Public Schools has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Centralized the district\u2019s software and app approval process<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maintained a comprehensive district software inventory<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verified FERPA and COPPA compliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Analyzed granular engagement data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As Michelle shared:
\u201cInsight helps us track state-specific Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs), ensuring we meet all state legal requirements for documentation, transparency, and student safety.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHer leadership demonstrates how disciplined data governance strengthens both compliance and operational clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Student Safety Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightspeedsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7052-1-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBibb County School District (GA)
Kevin Adams, Chief Information Officer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBibb County School District has implemented Lightspeed Alert\u2122<\/a> to proactively address student safety concerns and coordinate district-wide response efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBibb County School District has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Supported timely responses to student challenges and established processes for proactive intervention<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Involved school building administrators in response planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Coordinated efforts with the district\u2019s Campus Police force<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Kevin explained:
\u201cAs we onboard [Lightspeed Alert\u2122], we have engaged district leaders, school building administration, and our Campus Police force.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHis approach ensures that monitoring is paired with coordinated, actionable response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Student Engagement Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightspeedsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7057-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDeKalb County School District (GA)
Terri Webb, Manager III of Instructional Technology
Jamal Northington, Manager of Data Center and Cloud Services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDeKalb County School District is strengthening digital engagement<\/a> by giving teachers real-time visibility into student device activity through Lightspeed Classroom\u2122<\/a>, enabling more focused and effective instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDeKalb County School District has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Provided the ability to intervene in off-task behavior without disrupting instruction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allowed teachers to block or allow URLs during digital activities and given visibility into how many tabs students have open to mitigate distractions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Supported improved focus during instructional time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As Terri and Jamal shared:
\u201cOur teachers appreciate the ability to block or allow URLs while seeing how many tabs are open during digital activities while helping students focus on the expected task.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nTheir work highlights how classroom visibility tools can support engagement while maintaining instructional flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security & Device Management Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightspeedsystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/IMG_7043-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFort Worth ISD (TX)
Cybersecurity Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nDuring a routine review using Lightspeed\u2019s tools, Fort Worth ISD\u2019s Technology team identified an opportunity to strengthen oversight and streamline device management across the district.<\/a> What began as a standard audit evolved into a collaborative effort to refine processes, audit proxies, update safeguards, and ensure thousands of student devices were fully aligned with district policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThrough thoughtful analysis and cross\u2011department teamwork, the team enhanced consistency in device configurations, reinforced existing security practices, and improved the overall learning environment. This work reflects FWISD\u2019s ongoing focus on continuous improvement and its strong partnership with Lightspeed in supporting safe, effective digital learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNorthside ISD (TX) Northside ISD has transformed how they approach edtech purchasing decisions. By leveraging Lightspeed Insight\u2122<\/a> and its ROI Reporting capabilities<\/a>, they\u2019ve bridged the gap between Technology Services and Curriculum & Instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Northside has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As Miranda put it: That mindset shift\u2014from \u201cwhat\u2019s being used\u201d to \u201cwhy it\u2019s being used\u201d\u2014is exactly what strategic data governance should look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corpus Christi ISD (TX) Corpus Christi ISD is leading a deliberate approach to AI adoption. By utilizing Lightspeed tools, they are staging and managing AI product rollouts with precision<\/a>\u2014ensuring responsible implementation at every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corpus Christi ISD has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As Thomas & Janelle shared: Their structured governance model reflects what responsible, scalable AI implementation should look like in K\u201312 education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lincoln Public Schools (NE) Lincoln Public Schools is redefining ROI, shifting the focus from Return on Investment<\/strong> to Return on Instruction<\/strong>. By leveraging Lightspeed Insight\u2122, they are examining how instructional time spent in digital resources connects to student outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lincoln Public Schools has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As Kristi and Kirk explained: Their work elevates the conversation from tool usage to instructional impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rogers Public Schools (AR) Rogers Public Schools has strengthened district-wide app governance and oversight, ensuring every digital tool meets privacy and compliance standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rogers Public Schools has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As Michelle shared: Her leadership demonstrates how disciplined data governance strengthens both compliance and operational clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bibb County School District (GA) Bibb County School District has implemented Lightspeed Alert\u2122<\/a> to proactively address student safety concerns and coordinate district-wide response efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bibb County School District has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kevin explained: His approach ensures that monitoring is paired with coordinated, actionable response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DeKalb County School District (GA) DeKalb County School District is strengthening digital engagement<\/a> by giving teachers real-time visibility into student device activity through Lightspeed Classroom\u2122<\/a>, enabling more focused and effective instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DeKalb County School District has:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As Terri and Jamal shared: Their work highlights how classroom visibility tools can support engagement while maintaining instructional flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fort Worth ISD (TX) During a routine review using Lightspeed\u2019s tools, Fort Worth ISD\u2019s Technology team identified an opportunity to strengthen oversight and streamline device management across the district.<\/a> What began as a standard audit evolved into a collaborative effort to refine processes, audit proxies, update safeguards, and ensure thousands of student devices were fully aligned with district policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through thoughtful analysis and cross\u2011department teamwork, the team enhanced consistency in device configurations, reinforced existing security practices, and improved the overall learning environment. This work reflects FWISD\u2019s ongoing focus on continuous improvement and its strong partnership with Lightspeed in supporting safe, effective digital learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miranda Snider, Assistant Director of Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe aren\u2019t just looking at data; we\u2019re using it to ensure every dollar spent directly supports student learning.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nAI Governance Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Thomas Molina, Information Security Officer
Janelle Reyes, Technology Services Director<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can easily manage access to specific tooling until our internal teams can verify privacy, security, and compliance with all legislative requirements for safe AI use.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nInstructional Impact Data Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Kristi Peters, Instructional Technology Coordinator
Kirk Langer, Chief Technology Officer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs Insight evolves, we are getting closer to the time when we can better understand not only whether a resource is being used, and not only whether it is useful, but for which type of learners it is the best resource.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nData & Compliance Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Michelle Martin, Information Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cInsight helps us track state-specific Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs), ensuring we meet all state legal requirements for documentation, transparency, and student safety.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nStudent Safety Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Kevin Adams, Chief Information Officer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs we onboard [Lightspeed Alert\u2122], we have engaged district leaders, school building administration, and our Campus Police force.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nStudent Engagement Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Terri Webb, Manager III of Instructional Technology
Jamal Northington, Manager of Data Center and Cloud Services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur teachers appreciate the ability to block or allow URLs while seeing how many tabs are open during digital activities while helping students focus on the expected task.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nSecurity & Device Management Innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Cybersecurity Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n