The MACE ITN committee is thrilled to announce the schedule for ITN 2026 presentations. This year's event promises an exciting lineup, featuring a diverse group of presenters who will share their extensive knowledge and experience with K-12 tech staff. We are fortunate to have assembled a group of experts from various fields, all of whom bring unique perspectives and insights. Their presentations will cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that attendees have access to the latest trends, tools, and strategies in educational technology.

Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, stay updated with the latest advancements, or simply network with like-minded professionals, ITN 2026 is set to be an invaluable experience. The diversity of presenters guarantees that there will be something for everyone, catering to the varying needs and interests of K-12 tech staff. We invite you to join us at ITN 2026 and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. With such a wealth of knowledge on offer, you're sure to leave the event inspired and equipped with new ideas to implement in your own educational environments. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to be part of an event that promises to push the boundaries of what's possible in educational technology. We look forward to seeing you there!

Data Governance & Retention

Legal and Policy Requirements for K-12 Student Records
David Cunningham - Kansas Association of School Boards

This presentation will address the legal and policy requirements for K-12 student records.  It is important to
understand the law and policies pertaining to student records including what information can be shared, when it can be released, and to whom it may be provided. Record retention laws are also important.  Understanding the legal and policy requirements will help school employees meet their obligations regarding records.

Cybersecurity

(2 hour workshop) Incident Response vs. Business Continuity vs Disaster Recovery – Art Provost - Filament Information Security

A workshop built for Kansas K-12 IT professionals who want practical, usable guidance on how to clearly distinguish and strengthen Disaster Recovery (DR), Incident Response (IR), and Business Continuity (COOP/BCP) planning in their districts. Art Provost will break down what each plan is designed to accomplish, who should own and participate in each effort, and where districts commonly experience gaps. Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for organizing responsibilities, improving coordination with administrators and leadership, and templates they can immediately adapt to build or refine their plans, saving time while strengthening district resilience.

From Zero to Cyber Secure: Practical Steps Using CISAs Resources and Tools – Winnie West - CISA

This session introduces a practical, step by step approach to improving cybersecurity maturity using “no cost” available resources from Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Organizations will be introduced to CISA's resources and tools and learn how its prioritized actions help reduce common risks such as phishing, ransomware and credential compromise. Introductions of additional CISA resources including Cyber Hygiene services, vulnerability scanning, tabletop exercise packages and incident response planning tools that support long term improvement.

Enhancing Cybersecurity: Proactive & Reactive Strategies for Optimal Protection
Heather Doxon – Center for Internet Security / MS-ISAC

Join our in-depth session on enhancing both proactive and reactive cybersecurity postures. In the proactive segment, we'll guide improvements using CIS Controls best practices, specifically focusing on Implementation Group 1 of the controls. For the reactive component, we'll concentrate on developing and refining Incident Response Plans and Workflows, covering key
considerations for effective incident management. This session aims to provide practical insights and actionable steps to bolster your organization's cybersecurity resilience.

Building a Cybersecurity Program Through Collaboration
Ryan Kurtenbach – Kansas State Department of Education

Building a cybersecurity program can be an overwhelming task. We will explore practical steps for starting and implementing a cybersecurity program which will meet the needs of your district. This will include items such assessing your current cybersecurity posture, identifying gaps, and setting clear cybersecurity goals. This is based off the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 which will allow you to continue to grow your program and engage stakeholders and foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness utilizing tools and resources from different organizations including NIST and KSDE. 

CoSN Information and Opportunities for Kansas Districts – Rob Dickson - MACE

This past spring Kansas became a CoSN affiliate with the assistance of the MACE organization.  This session, led by Rob Dickson from Wichita USD 259, will share some of the opportunities that becoming associated with CoSN can do for the state of Kansas as well as individual districts.  In addition to this information, MACE is working to set up a page on their website that will share resources and connect with other districts.  

GoGuardian Beacon – Catrina Edwards - Go Guardian & CDW Education

Learn how Beacon has prevented an estimated 18,623 students from physical harm since March 2020

GoGuardian Hall Pass – Catrina Edwards - Go Guardian & CDW Education

Learn how GoGuardian is moving into the physical safety space with our modern, purpose-built solution that creates safer hallways, increases instructional time, and delivers actionable student data!"

Eric Tolbert - Kansas Information Security Office

Kite Architecture, Security and Secure Student Portal Chromebook Client
Mark Thompson – Assessment & Technology Solutions, University of Kansas

The Kite® Assessment Platform provides Kansas educators with a secure, flexible solution for delivering high‑quality educational assessments.
In this session, we will explore the core infrastructure that powers the Kite platform, the security measures that protect sensitive assessment data, and the upcoming updates to the secure Student Portal Chromebook client.
Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share their experiences with deploying and managing the Kite secure client, and offer feedback that will help shape the platform’s future roadmap. Together, we’ll build a deeper understanding of how Kite delivers a scalable, secure, and educator‑friendly assessment experience.

March Forward with Cybersecurity – Celica Constante - ClassLink

Kansas schools face growing cybersecurity risks that can disrupt instruction and operations. This session shows how ClassLink can strengthen cybersecurity in schools using secure single sign-on, MFA, and new additional data protection tools because It’s no longer just an IT issue—protecting student data helps Kansas districts create safer, more reliable digital learning environments.

Technology Operations

Student AI Usage: Transparency & Safety
Avery Maxwell – Securly

Abstract: Many districts are asking the same question right now: How do we bring AI into our schools—safely, responsibly, and with purpose?  

Our discussion will be focused on the actual execution of student AI transparency and safety this school year:

• How districts balance innovation with safety

• Why "transparency, not restriction" may be the key to empowering safe AI use

• Sharing Securly's AI Transparency Solution (not a sales pitch; more of an example of what visibility is available to districts)

Axis: Beyond the Lens
Garrett Sarlett – Axis

Physical Security goes well beyond a camera today. Access control, video intercoms, overhead paging and bells, body worn cameras, and analytics. All of these things rely on the network and cyber security is more important than ever. Come learn about what other technologies an IT professional may be tasked with managing and best practices for not only keeping our educational population safe, but our networks as well. 

STEM & Instructional Technology

Enhance Educator Productivity with Technology – Kyle Pace - Apple, Inc.

Join us for a hands-on session designed to help school leaders and educators explore how Apple technology enhances productivity, communication, and creativity.  Explore built-in tools that deliver intelligence that’s useful, relevant, and seamlessly integrated into the apps and workflows used every day.

Deployment Streamlined: New Updates for IT Leaders – Nolan O’Toole - Apple, Inc.

Apple is committed to supporting your vision for technology at scale. Join us to discuss the latest products and platform changes from Apple, including what’s new for Managed Apple accounts, new deployment options, and management features for macOS and iPadOS.

Empowering Active Learners – Jason Molesky - Apple Education

Learning should be engaging, empowering, and fun — igniting a sense of joy, excitement, and possibility. This session will explore how Apple has been working with leaders, educators, and school communities from the beginning to build learning experiences to support this type of learning. And you’ll get to experience how Apple technology is designed with active learning in mind, helping students build critical skills by being more engaged in their own learning process.